Did you know that Black Breastfeeding Week takes place every year from August 25 to 31? This annual observance is a time to celebrate, uplift, and support Black families on their breastfeeding journeys.
Each year, communities across the country come together to shine a light on the benefits of breast milk and to encourage action, so that every parent has the support and access to resources they need to have a successful breastfeeding experience.
Why this week matters
Breast milk offers many great benefits and is the best food for babies in the first year of life. It has antibodies and helps protect babies from many illnesses. It also can reduce a baby’s risk for sudden infant death syndrome (also called SIDS). This is an especially important factor to consider because in the US, the rate of SIDS is higher among Black babies, compared to White and Hispanic babies.
Barriers to breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be challenging for many reasons, and personal, social, economic and environmental factors can play a role. For some families, these challenges may be made even harder by:
- Cultural and historical experiences that have impacted breastfeeding traditions
- Limited access to paid family leave and little support at work
- Less opportunities to connect with lactation consultants or peer counselors
- Breastfeeding information that is hard to understand or doesn’t reflect the parent’s culture or experiences
When parents don’t have the resources or support they need, it can make starting and continuing breastfeeding more difficult. That’s why community-based, culturally relevant care is so important.
How we can support change
Expanding access to high quality, culturally respectful breastfeeding support helps parents feel confident and supported from birth and beyond. This can include:
- Virtual or telehealth lactation services that are easy to access
- Increasing diversity among lactation professionals
- Providing care that respects each family’s culture, needs, and preferences
March of Dimes is committed to helping all parents have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. We advocate for fair and supportive healthcare policies, promote access to care, and partner with communities. Visit our action center to learn how to get involved.