In August, National Breastfeeding Month shines a light on the highs and lows of breastfeeding. However, three determined black mothers recognized that the specific challenges faced by black breastfeeding moms were not being addressed. They took the initiative to establish Black Breastfeeding Week, aimed at highlighting the unique obstacles black women encounter while breastfeeding and celebrating their commitment to it.
Co-founder Jamila Carter shared with The Motherhood Journal, “World Breastfeeding Week usually aligns with National Breastfeeding Month, which has been around for several years. So we thought, ‘Why wait for permission? Let’s claim the last week of the month as Black Breastfeeding Week and make our voices heard.’” Their motivation is both powerful and inspiring.
The need for Black Breastfeeding Week is urgent, as numerous disparities exist concerning access, awareness, and resources for black women who wish to breastfeed. Black women are just as capable of breastfeeding as their white counterparts, yet historical and systemic racial inequities complicate this experience.
On the Black Breastfeeding Week website, co-founder Lisa Harper outlines the reasons behind its creation. One critical issue is the significant racial gap in breastfeeding initiation rates. For instance, a CDC report from 2008 indicated that 75% of white women began breastfeeding, compared to only 58% of black mothers. This disparity has persisted, even as overall breastfeeding rates have slightly improved.
Additionally, Harper highlights the alarming infant mortality rate among black babies, who are twice as likely to die compared to white infants. Breastfeeding has been shown to help reduce these rates, particularly during the critical first year of life. It can also shield black children from prevalent health issues, such as asthma and childhood obesity.
Yet, the conversation isn’t solely about health statistics. Black Breastfeeding Week also seeks to address the underrepresentation of black culture within the breastfeeding support community. How can black women feel empowered to breastfeed if they don’t see others like them doing so? The majority of lactation consultants and breastfeeding advocates are often white, which can create a disconnect regarding the unique challenges black women face today.
Moreover, there exists a painful legacy tied to breastfeeding for many black women, rooted in the days of slavery when black women were forced to nurse their enslavers’ children. This history adds layers of complexity to the modern narrative surrounding breastfeeding.
Despite these challenges, the founders of Black Breastfeeding Week are focused on redefining the narrative. “This week is about addressing the lack of diversity among lactation consultants and celebrating the breastfeeding champions in our community who often go unnoticed,” Harper states. “We aim to ensure that breastfeeding leadership mirrors the diversity we seek among breastfeeding mothers.”
Throughout Black Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from August 25-31, social media becomes a vibrant platform for showcasing the strength and beauty of black breastfeeding mothers. The theme for 2018, #LoveOnTop, encourages the sharing of empowering photos and stories. For more updates, follow the Black Breastfeeding Week Facebook page and check the hashtags #BBW18 and #BlackBreastfeedingWeek across social media.
Ultimately, this celebration is about empowerment, representation, and a commitment to changing the narrative surrounding breastfeeding in black communities.
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In summary, Black Breastfeeding Week serves as a crucial platform to elevate the voices of black mothers, address disparities in breastfeeding, and celebrate the beauty and strength of those who breastfeed.
Keyphrase: Black Breastfeeding Week
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