Breastfeeding your baby has many health benefits. Breastfeeding an infant offers benefits right after birth and throughout life. For example, breastfeeding immediately after birth allows the baby to start receiving the immunological effects of colostrum, the earliest breast milk produced, which is packed with antibodies to help fight off infections. Also, a breastfed child has a reduced risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and childhood illnesses in the long run.
Something even more incredible is that women who breastfeed immediately have decreased postpartum bleeding and a more rapid uterine shrinkage to pre-pregnancy size, in addition to reduced risks of developing ovarian and breast cancers, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. These benefits are critical educational information for birthing persons but are not shared with them.
Black Women Face Barriers to Breastfeeding
It is no secret that Black women have the lowest rates of initiation and continuation in breastfeeding. There are many barriers to breastfeeding, particularly in Black communities. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black mothers disproportionately experience several barriers to breastfeeding, including:
- Lack of knowledge about breastfeeding
- Lack of peer, family, and social support
- Insufficient education and support from healthcare settings
- Concerns about navigating breastfeeding and employment
Breastfeeding inequities and disparities have existed for a very long time in Black communities. There are many root causes of the inequities and disparities, and it is imperative to address them and make a change.
Hospitals Are Less Likely to Support Black Mothers
Systemic racism contributes to the low breastfeeding rates in Black communities. Hospitals serving communities with predominantly Black families are less likely to be offered maternity care that promotes breastfeeding. In addition, Black mothers are nine times more likely than white mothers to be offered formula.
Before a mother delivers her child, she is given formula samples from her healthcare provider instead of resources for breastfeeding education.
Black mothers are less likely to be encouraged to do skin-to-skin and breastfeed within the first hour of giving birth and less likely to have access to lactation consultants to help with breastfeeding challenges.
Alabama has refused to expand Medicaid on several accounts, unfortunately making it impossible for recipients to receive coverage for breastfeeding education, lactation consultation, and breast pumps.
Federal Laws Protect Breastfeeding Moms But Challenges Still Exist
After giving birth, many mothers only have six weeks of maternity leave, and then they will have to return to work. Employees with low-wage jobs
are less likely to receive paid family leave or medical leave. Although federal law requires employers to accommodate breaks and private locations for pumping, balancing breastfeeding and work is still a concern for mothers.
When returning to work, if their job offers paid time off, mothers have to advocate for themselves or choose to give up breastfeeding for many reasons. Some employers do not provide adequate space for a mother to pump. Mothers with low income may not want to advocate for themselves because they have to take care of their families.
Mothers should feel confident knowing when they return to work, they will have full support, space, and time to take care of their breastfeeding needs.
Difficulties Finding Support and Resources
Everyone needs a robust support system, especially on a breastfeeding journey. Many of the population may have never experienced breastfeeding in Black communities, so it may be hard to receive support from family and friends. Moms may not know it is the best thing to do if they have not seen it or received education about it in their community.
Breastfeeding has become a touchy subject to families because of historical and social reasons. It is not always easy for a mother to find encouragement or the resources about breastfeeding she needs from the community.
When there is no support, this often results in mothers seeking help from healthcare providers and possibly supplementing formula. Also, mothers may begin to receive a lot of negative feedback about breastfeeding, mainly from those who have never breastfed or experienced challenges but had no support. Support doesn’t stop with family, friends, and peers.
How We Can Normalize Breastfeeding
Of course, it would take a lot of effort to remove breastfeeding barriers, but we can all make a difference. Although every mother may or may not experience barriers to breastfeeding, it is imperative to address the health disparities and injustices because if we don’t, then health outcomes for Black women and their children will only worsen. The implicit bias that has formed about Black women and breastfeeding should be addressed and handled appropriately.
For example, the notion that Black women prefer to use formula instead of breastfeeding is not valid for all Black women. Instead, hospitals should offer more lactation consultants. Educating mothers during their perinatal period can play a role in influencing them to decide to breastfeed.
Doulas and lactation consultants play a significant role in educating, advocating, and encouraging mothers to breastfeed before giving birth; therefore, more resources regarding their services should be available.
Moreover, there should be more investments in training Black doulas, lactation consultants, and birth workers to serve and protect Black mothers. This action will open up more support, education, and care to the community, resulting in higher breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates, and lower maternal and infant mortality rates.
Removing Barriers Will Create Greater Equality
Offering more paid family and medical leave to all employees can benefit the entire family regardless of their status. For example, mothers can spend more time with their newborns, not having to rush and return to work, and fathers can also take time off to help and support the mothers with breastfeeding.
Also, employers can work to become a breastfeeding-friendly site providing those mothers with the proper time and accommodations they will need while at work.
Taking steps to remove breastfeeding barriers may be a challenge, but it will be worth providing equity for all.
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