Lifestyle
By: Lisa Johnson
Updated: August 27, 2018
Originally Published: August 25, 2017
During National Breastfeeding Month, the experiences of breastfeeding mothers are brought to light, showcasing both their challenges and joys. However, shortly after its establishment in 2011, three mothers of color recognized that the specific hurdles faced by Black breastfeeding mothers were largely overlooked. Taking initiative, they founded Black Breastfeeding Week to spotlight the unique difficulties Black women encounter when breastfeeding and to celebrate their commitment to it.
Co-founder Maya Johnson recounted to the Huffington Post how Black Breastfeeding Week came to be: “World Breastfeeding Week typically coincides with the beginning of National Breastfeeding Month, which had been around for several years. We thought, ‘We don’t need anyone’s approval. Let’s claim the last week of the month as Black Breastfeeding Week and go from there.’” Their determination is inspiring.
The necessity for Black Breastfeeding Week stems from significant disparities in support, awareness, and resources available to Black women who wish to breastfeed. While Black women are just as capable of breastfeeding as their white counterparts, systemic racial inequities—rooted in centuries of history—create vastly different experiences for them.
On the Black Breastfeeding Week website, co-founder Sarah Thompson highlights some critical issues that necessitated the establishment of this week. One glaring concern is the racial gap in breastfeeding initiation rates: a CDC report from 2008 indicated that 75% of white women initiated breastfeeding, compared to just 58% of Black mothers. Unfortunately, this trend has persisted even as overall breastfeeding rates have improved.
Additionally, Thompson emphasizes the alarmingly high infant mortality rate among Black infants—who are twice as likely to die compared to white infants—and how breastfeeding can play a role in reducing this statistic. Breastfeeding not only impacts survival rates but also helps shield Black children from common health issues in their communities, such as respiratory infections, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, and obesity—all of which breastfeeding has been shown to combat.
Beyond health statistics, Black Breastfeeding Week also seeks to address the lack of representation and support for Black mothers in the breastfeeding community. How can Black women feel encouraged to breastfeed if they see so few others like them doing so? Most lactation consultants and breastfeeding advocates are white, often lacking an understanding of the cultural context and challenges faced by Black mothers in the U.S.
Moreover, the painful legacy of breastfeeding in the Black community cannot be ignored, as many women still remember that Black enslaved women were often forced to nurse the children of their enslavers. This historical trauma adds a layer of complexity to the decision to breastfeed.
Nevertheless, the founders of Black Breastfeeding Week aim to redefine this narrative. “This week is about addressing the lack of diversity among lactation consultants and changing our story,” Thompson states. “It’s a time to celebrate and elevate the breastfeeding advocates in our communities who often go unrecognized, and we strive to ensure that breastfeeding leadership reflects the diversity we seek among breastfeeding women.”
Their efforts deserve applause. A significant aspect of this week is to highlight the strong Black mothers who are confidently breastfeeding, and social media becomes a vibrant platform showcasing their beautiful, empowering photos.
Black Breastfeeding Week takes place annually during the last week of August, from the 25th to the 31st. The theme for 2018 is #LoveOnTop. To stay updated on events and activities, follow the Black Breastfeeding Week Facebook page and look for hashtags like #BBW18 and #BlackBreastfeedingWeek across social media.
In closing, Black Breastfeeding Week serves as an essential movement to bring visibility to the experiences of Black breastfeeding mothers and advocate for greater representation and support within the community.