Breastfeeding provides unmatched health benefits for babies and mothers. It is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition, with breast milk uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of a growing baby,” said Dr. Ruth Peterson, director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity.
In celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 25 through Aug. 31), we compiled a list of organizations and online groups that provide breastfeeding support for moms. And with August being National Breastfeeding Month, it is time to give our attention to Black Breastfeeding Week, August 25th to August 31st, and generate an awareness of what is happening in the Black community.
New parents, from the beginning of time and from all parts of the world, have relied on family and community support to succeed at breastfeeding their children. So, to all of the Black mothers out there - we are here for you. We protect your data.
The Importance of Breastfeeding Support
There are many health benefits for breastfeeding moms and their babies including antibodies found in breast milk. These antibodies help babies fight off bacteria/viruses and lowers the risk of asthma, allergies, and respiratory illnesses.
Breastfeeding takes a mother’s willingness and a supportive healthcare community to make breastfeeding successful. Yet for those reasons, black mothers have had the lowest rate of breastfeeding at 69. 4 percent as opposed to 83.2 percent of all women.
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This disparity is attributed to systematic racism within hospital networks who don’t encourage breastfeeding initiation to Black moms and often promote formula. The other obstacle moms face is dealing with the possible stigma of being shamed in public for breastfeeding their child.
We honor and support organizations and online groups who are working hard to show off Black families representing breastfeeding. Because of these hurdles that exist for Black breastfeeding mothers, Black parents may find support-whether in the form of virtual communities or educational resources-particularly helpful.
While moms can look to their experienced friends or doctors for support, there are also professional breastfeeding consultants who can help, and organizations like La Leche League (LLL) that have lots information and can help you find a local group near you.
Sometimes you need to connect with other breastfeeding parents in person (while socially distancing, of course). Support groups like these-whether they’re in person or online-allow you to connect with like-minded people going through similar situations to yours. These groups provide an ideal space to ask questions, share information and discover resources that others have already used and recommend. In a way, it’s like giving yourself the gift of a village there specifically to help you get through your breastfeeding journey.
Here’s a database of local lactation support groups for families of color.
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The Digital Lactation Consultant
Organizations and Resources
Here is a list of breastfeeding resources and support services available for African-American women and families.
- African American Breastfeeding Network (AABN): This Wisconsin-based advocacy group champions breastfeeding equity through a variety of programs and services, including connecting expecting and new parents with certified lactation consultants with both virtual and in-person sessions. AABN also offers monthly Community Breastfeeding Gatherings to help pregnant and breastfeeding parents and their loved ones to learn how to navigate breastfeeding together.
- The Chocolate Milk Café: A national network of Black doulas, lactation consultants, and childbirth educators, that offers culturally-attuned care and support to families of the African diaspora.
- Black Girls Breastfeeding Club: Founded by Ayanna Robinson, PhD, MPH, a mom and public health scientist, Black Girls Breastfeeding Club is all about sharing stories that support for Black breastfeeding-from did-you-know facts to cute baby pictures.
- Southeast Michigan IBCLCs of Color (SEMI): SEMI provides breastfeeding education and skilled birth and lactation support for families in the Metro-Detroit region. Their International Board Certified Lactation Consultants provide consultations with families to protect, support, and promote breastfeeding. In the face of COVID-19, SEMI members have worked diligently throughout the pandemic, addressing fears from within the community about birth and infant feeding options.
Addressing Racial Inequities and Black Breastfeeding Rates: As an organization, SEMI endeavors to meet the unique needs for mentorship, fellowship and professional growth by IBCLCs of Color in the Southeast Michigan region, supplying the community with equitable access to culturally-appropriate lactation support and advocacy. SEMI’s members are trusted in their community to provide professional support from within the local community. To quote their members, “We are the families we serve.”
Current Service Model & Support Services:
- Free weekly virtual prenatal breastfeeding classes for women of color residing in Southeast Michigan
- Holding Space: Breastfeeding and Mental Health Support During a Pandemic
- Individual virtual consultations
- In-home breastfeeding support
- Mama’s Mobile Milk
- Facilitating/Consulting/Presenting
Collaboration with MIBFN:
- #InvestInDetroitBreastfeeding Campaign: SEMI and MIBFN collaborated on the #InvestInDetroitBreastfeeding fundraising campaign, which took place from April 16, 2020 to May 9, 2020.
Additional Support and Resources
- Breastfeeding support groups at PHFE WIC Centers in L.A.
- Baby Breastfeeding Tracker (App Store | Google Play): Track when and how long the baby feeds, and get feeding reminders.
- MotherToBaby: Text 855-999-3525 or call 866-626-6847 to get answers about safety of medications and more during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Healthcare Professionals
We have good news: there are healthcare professionals out there who specialize in the clinical management of breastfeeding. Having a professional support system is extremely important for both initiating and continuing breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends moms exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of a baby’s life, but only 14% of Black mothers who initiate breastfeeding manage this. Thankfully, there are plenty of lactation consultants available out there who want to help. The Lactation Network can help you connect with these experts at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Planning to breastfeed? Connect with an IBCLC who will help you select, order, and properly use a breast pump!
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A doula is a non-clinical professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical and educational support to a mother who is expecting, experiencing labor or has recently given birth.
A midwife is a trained health professional who helps during labor, delivery and after birth. Midwives are also an economical option. They often offer payment plans and sliding fees and are willing to accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid.
Statistics on Maternal Mortality
All maternal mortality data in the United States, such as this report by the CDC, says the same thing: Black women die in disproportionately high numbers due to pregnancy, childbirth and post-birth complications. Black women-no matter socioeconomic status, education, lifestyle and access to health care-are three to four times more likely to die during or after delivery than white women. National organizations and regional birth centers have emerged to save more black mothers’ lives.
Minnesota Resources
- Dr. Chosen Vessels: Provides unique, female-centered and culturally relevant lactation support and wellness services for women. Services include midwife, lactation consultations, and childbirth education serving women in the Twin Cities.
- Roots Community Birth Center: Offers individualized and comprehensive prenatal care, water birth, natural birth, VBAC, extensive postpartum care, and a doula internship program.
- Ahavah: Provides culturally congruent birth/postpartum doula support including home visits and mental health support (ARMHS).
- Club Mom: A community health gathering for African-American women, ages 19 and up who are pregnant and/or parenting children, 0-5 years, hosted by Ramsey County Public Health. Childcare is provided during meetings.
Additional Minnesota Organizations
- Club Dad: Is a monthly gathering including dinner and educational sessions for African-American men who are fathers.
- D.IV.A.: D.I.V.A. born African American moms.
- The African American Babies Coalition (AABC): Is a group of African American community stakeholders which include educators, nonprofit and civic leaders, researchers, childcare providers, parents and grandparents and public health professionals, from across the Twin Cities who are committed to promoting the healthy development of African American babies.
Birth Equity Community Council (BECC)
In April 2017, the Birth Equity Community Council (BECC) began intentional community engaged dialogues, with a commitment to a collaborative process where action steps address individual, community and system level interventions and promote racial healing and equity in birth outcomes.
Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA)
BMBFA’s mission is to reduce racial inequities in breastfeeding support for black families. BMBFA’s objective is to provide education, valuable resources and ongoing support to black families and public/private agencies that service these families. The Association has a Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Club , breastfeeding fact sheets, Blog, resources for families, providers, training opportunities, and is active with calls to action through the Black Breastfeeding Caucus.
Legal Protections in Minnesota
If you are pregnant, take pregnancy leave, or need to pump breastmilk at work, you are legally protected in Minnesota to ensure your health and safety.
Integrated Care and High Risk Pregnancy Initiative (ICHRP)
Integrated Care and High Risk Pregnancy Initiative (ICHRP) addresses disparities in the African American community when it comes to pregnancy and birth outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, infant and maternal mortality in Minnesota. Serving a critical community within Ramsey and Hennepin counties, we are a voice for prenatal African American maternal and child health for the Minnesota Department of Human Services Integrated Care for High Risk Pregnancies (ICHRP) Initiative.
