For decades the United States has tried to increase the number of breastfeeding mothers. Despite this effort, The U.S. has the lowest rate of breastfeeding among industrialized nations.

The number of Black breastfeeding mothers is especially low because of the challenges they face. In honor of Black Breastfeeding Week, we’re discussing these unique challenges and how to overcome them if you choose to breastfeed.

Rate of Black Breastfeeding Mothers

When we look at the numbers, the rate of Black breastfeeding mothers is low. For years, the rates have been about the same. About 83 percent of white mothers breastfeed their babies, while only 60-69 percent of Black mothers do. Black mothers also report giving up breastfeeding earlier and having much less breastfeeding support.

Breastfeeding Barriers Black Mothers Face

The low rate of Black breastfeeding mothers has a lot to do with the unique challenges they face, such as lack of support, lack of access to resources and stigmas.

Lack of support

The data shows that Black women do not receive the same support as white, middle-class women. When it comes to Black mothers, hospitals are less likely to help them start breastfeeding or offer lactation support. Many hospitals that serve a large population of Black mothers often offer formula, reducing the number of women who will start breastfeeding.

Lack of support at work

Black mothers are more likely to return to work before 12 weeks, making it difficult to establish breastfeeding. Knowing they must return to work so soon impacts their decision to start because they have less time to work through breastfeeding challenges.

Black women are more likely to have inflexible hours and less support at work. Despite federal law requiring employers to provide time and a place for mothers to pump, many companies don’t comply. Seventy percent of Black women report being the breadwinners, so they don’t feel they can speak up for themselves and fear losing their job. So instead, they’re more likely not to breastfeed or stop when they return to work.

Why Is Breastfeeding So Important?

There are many benefits to breastfeeding for both mother and baby. Breastfed babies have a better immune system and are less likely to get sick because their mother passes on antibodies to prevent illness.

Breastfeeding lowers a child’s risk of:

• Asthma and other respiratory illnesses
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Type 1 diabetes
• Obesity

Breastfeeding benefits moms, too by lowering the risk of:

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer

Tips For Breastfeeding Mothers

For as long as the government has been tracking breastfeeding trends, there has always been a lower rate of Black breastfeeding mothers than other races. If you want to breastfeed, here is what you can do to advocate for yourself.

Get your questions answered

Work to establish trusting relationships with healthcare providers in the community, such as doulas, midwives, lactations consultations, peer counselors and support groups. Learning from experts in your community and getting all your questions answered can help dispel any myths about breastfeeding and ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Know your rights about paid family leave

Longer paid maternity leave can increase the number of people willing to start breastfeeding. Having more time at home will help you and your baby get established with breastfeeding before returning to work. The more you know about your rights about paid family leave and apply for any benefits you’re entitled to, the more time you can have at home with your baby.

Advocate for yourself when you go back to work

Creating a work environment that supports expressing milk is an important way for women to feel supported to continue after they return to work. Have a conversation with leaders at your job when you return to work. Tell them you’ll need time to express milk and work that into your schedule. Have an open discussion about what you need and advocate for yourself to get the time and space to express milk. This may feel uncomfortable but remember, there are federal laws to protect you.

Reach out for support

You can find support by establishing relationships with other breastfeeding moms, joining a local support group, find a peer counselor, lactation counselor or postpartum doula. These are all great resources to help you on your breastfeeding journey. Also, don’t be afraid to let your friends and family know about your breastfeeding plans and ask for support. Let them know it’s important to you and ask them to be positive about your choice. After all, this is your journey and you must do what’s right for you and your family.

Sources

Racial Disparities Persist in Breastfeeding Moms: Here’s Why

The Challenges of Breastfeeding as a Black Person

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in BreastfeedingEnhancing Breastfeeding Rates Among African American Women

Breastfeeding: Why It MattersRacial Disparities in Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration Among U.S. Infants Born in 2015