Black Breastfeeding Week and Why It Is Important?

This year marked the 10th anniversary of Black Breastfeeding Week. This week was created because of the gaping racial disparity in breastfeeding rates. According to CDC data, 75% of white women have breastfed versus 58.9% of Black women. That is why it was essential to set aside a week to shed light on the issue properly.

Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka launched Black Breastfeeding Week ten years ago and celebrated everywhere from Aug 25th to the 31st. And this year, the week was to celebrate the countless stories and families – past, present & future. The narrative has shifted to support and uplift each other. The new foundation of lactation support is built on racial equity, cultural empowerment, and community engagement and is powered by our collective resilience.

Top Reasons Why Black Women’s Breastfeeding Week is Important

1. The high black infant mortality rate: Black babies are dying twice the rate of white babies. These issues are rampant in our communities, from upper respiratory infections and Type II diabetes to asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and childhood obesity, disproportionately born too small, too sick, or too soon. These babies need breast milk’s immunity properties and nutritional benefits most. According to the CDC, increased breastfeeding among black women could decrease infant mortality rates by as much as 50%.
2. Lack of diversity in the lactation field: There are blatant racial disparities in breastfeeding rates. It is also present in breastfeeding leadership. Breastfeeding advocacy is white female-led. This is a problem. Unfortunately, it perpetuates the common misconception that black women don’t breastfeed. It also means that many lactation professionals are not culturally competent, sensitive, or relevant enough to deal with African American moms properly.
3. Unique cultural barriers among black women: The historical role of Black women as wet nurses in enslavement and beyond, the lack of role models and multi-generational support for breastfeeding, and a woeful lack of diversity in lactation education and support have contributed to fewer black women breastfeeding.
4. Desert-Like Conditions in Our Communities: Black communities may be “first food deserts.” Meaning access to healthy food that supports breastfeeding may be limited.

What started as a way to raise awareness is international. There are events across Canada and the U.S. celebrating Black peoples’ experiences. It also provides community grants for those who wish to host events. Visit blackbreastfeedingweek.org for more information, including resources for Black people seeking information and support about breastfeeding.