This past week, we celebrated black breastfeeding week.  For the past 7 years, August 25^th– 31^st has been a week where women of color are being celebrated and praised for breastfeeding.

Even though there is a National breastfeeding week and month, the emphasis is on women of color for a multitude of reason. We celebrate this week because initiation and continued breastfeeding is the lowest amongst black women. The need for this week is imperative as it focuses on supporting, educating and encouraring women of color to breastfeed.

Black women breastfeed at a lower rate than white women. Per the CDC “Fewer non-Hispanic black infants (74.0%) are ever breastfed compared with non-Hispanic white infants (86.6%) and Hispanic infants (82.9%)”. Black infants also have a higher death rate than white infants by way of maternal complications, premature birth or complications post birth.

 Raising awareness is the first step. Making the community cognizant of these disparities can lead to change when it comes to black maternal and infant health.

This past week, Healthy Start Baltimore, held an event for mothers in the community in celebration of black breastfeeding week. The purpose was to applaud and encourage women of color to breastfeed. Vendors were present to educate and offer services within the community and its surroundings. The women had the opportunity to speak with professionals about breastfeeding education, perinatal education and so much more.

Here is what we can do to support 

•  Support her decision to breastfeed, even if it is uncommon practice to you.  
• Encourage her to keep going even when the going gets though. Remind her why she started this journey
• Help her find support (community center, YMCA)
• Support in initiation and continuance of breastfeeding is key. Find someone who will be there for you as you embark on this journey, ie another breastfeeding mom
• Increase diversity in the lactation filed. 
• Donate to a cause that supports black breastfeeding education/maternal initiatives; R.O.S.E. , Latch in color, Black Mamas Matter Alliance

The disparities are great, but they don’t have to be. As a woman of color , and a health care professional, these facts hit home.  I will forever celebrate black breastfeeding week and I will help push the initiative forward in order to help bridge the gap. 

Tania J.