Friend,

August 25-31 marks Black Breastfeeding Week, a week established to raise awareness of the gaping racial disparity in breastfeeding rates. Recent CDC data show that 75% of white women have ever breastfed versus 58.9% of Black women.

A 2014 study on breastfeeding disparities impacting African American and Hispanic women revealed several challenges Black moms face that lead them to give up breastfeeding, including lack of education in the prenatal period about the benefits of breast milk, unexpected challenges with pain and latching, lack of adequate family leave, and more.

This week we're talking about the breastfeeding support Black moms need, the benefits of breast milk for NICU babies, and sharing even more resources for Black Breastfeeding Week. 

The Breastfeeding Support Black Moms Need

When we talk about disparities in breastfeeding rates between Black moms and white moms, we also learn about the challenges that befall many Black women when it comes to breastfeeding: lack of knowledge or education about the benefits of breast milk, unexpected complications latching or nursing, inadequate maternity leave before returning to work, or inadequate time and space to pump once the mom has returned to work.

The solutions to these problems often involve increased support for Black moms. But what does that support look like? We spoke to Aphrica Farrow, a DONA-certified doula with Black Mamas ATX, about not just the challenges Black women face with breastfeeding, but also the methods of support she and her team provide to achieve a 100% breastfeeding initiation success rate among their moms.

Why Breast Milk is Important for Your NICU Baby

The anti-inflammatory properties of breast milk play a big role in preventing many diseases and conditions. Breast milk also protects the gut, enhances brain development and is associated with a shorter hospital stay. Read more about the benefits of breast milk from Marguerite Kelly, IBCLC, RLC.

Additional Resources for #BBW20

Visit these articles, websites and virtual events to help amplify the voices of Black moms and understand the goals of Black Breastfeeding Week.

• Top 5 Reasons We Need a Black Breastfeeding Week
• Black Breastfeeding Week calendar of events
• Let's Empower Breastfeeding Moms!
• The Importance of Black Midwives: Then, Now, and Tomorrow

Support is Just a Click Away

Find the support you need, when you need it through Hand to Hold's virtual support groups, private Facebook communities, and peer mentor support network.  We're here for you at any stage of your journey.

What Parents Are Saying

"I can only say good things about the process and the partnership. I look forward to talking each week or so, and I feel free to share even intimate details because of the encouragement I receive."

Andrea D., Montgomery, AL

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