After giving birth, one of the most important things you will do is begin your feeding journey with your baby. You have options for how you feed your child. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both of you and is a great choice to consider.
Benefits of breastfeeding
- Breast milk can help reduce the risk of early childhood diseases, such as ear infections, asthma, type 1 diabetes, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Antibodies found in breastmilk help babies develop a strong immune system
- Parents who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing certain conditions that disproportionately affect the Black community, such as breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Support is essential
Support is not just important—it’s crucial. Breastfeeding rates are lower among Black families in the U.S. due to a variety of factors, but with the proper support, you can achieve a positive outcome. Black maternal and child health and general women’s health organizations are great resources for families seeking guidance and education. They can provide culturally appropriate breastfeeding support, recommendations, resources and more for those who want to breastfeed.
Organizations dedicated to breastfeeding support for Black families
- The Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association’s (BMBFA) mission is to reduce racial disparities in breastfeeding through support, education, and meaningful engagement. They provide many services, including lactation consultations, peer support groups, and educational workshops. Check out their site to get started.
- The Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Club® helps parents connect and find local virtual and in-person events nationwide. Check out their mission and learn about the support they can provide at blackmothersbreastfeeding.org
- The Breastfeeding Support Group on Facebook offers peer support so members feel safe, seen and understood. Over 100K members receive encouragement, support, and a forum to share their journey and learn from others.
- Black Breastfeeding Week: National Black Breastfeeding Week, takes place every August. This organization provides continuous year-long information, resources and events designed to promote the benefits of breastfeeding for Black families. Visit blackbreastfeedingweek.org or @blkbfingweek to learn more.
- The National Black Doulas Association: Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They can also be great resources for providing breastfeeding support and helping you access additional community resources. Learn more here.
- The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the health and wellness of Black women and girls. As a result, they offer valuable breastfeeding support, recommendations, and resources.
- Chocolate Milk Cafe is a peer-led lactation support organization for families of the African diaspora. It holds monthly meetings across 14 active chapters. For more information, visit the organization’s website or follow @chocolatemilkcafe on Instagram.
While accessing care and support when breastfeeding can be challenging, there is a thriving community of committed people ready to help you and your baby on this journey. Joining these support groups can give you a sense of belonging and a community to lean on.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Preventation Staff. “Key Breastfeeding Indicators-Breastfeeding Disparities Exist.” CDC. Last Reviewed: July 31, 2024 https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/facts.html#:~:text=Breastfeeding%20Disparities%20Exist.,and%20Hispanic%20infants%20(83.4%25).
