Centering Breastfeeding Among Black Mamas and Birthing People #BMHW23 

/ Racial Equity, Advocacy, Breastfeeding Communities, News / By

It’s Black Maternal Health Week (#BMHW23)! This year, the official theme for Black Maternal Health Week is: “Our Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy!” With the alarming rise of maternal mortality in the U.S. (which has been further exacerbated by the pandemic, according to recently published data), the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) continues to highlight and center culturally-congruent practices that incorporate the true needs, wants, and desires of Black women and birthing people. 

As advocates for breastfeeding communities, we want to take the time to highlight key statistics pertaining to breastfeeding among Black women and birthing people, which is an important aspect of Black Maternal Health. 

  • About 74% of Black infants are ever breastfed compared to more than 85% of White and 83% Latinx moms. (Source: CDC) 
  • Among all infants, in 2019, Black infants had a significantly lower rate of exclusive breastfeeding at age 3 months (36.3%) than did White infants (49%); at age 6 months, the rates of any breastfeeding were 44% among Black infants and 59.9.% among White infants. (Source: CDC) 
  • Unsupportive work policies (including lack of parental leave), unsupportive hospital policies and practices, lack of lactation support (including apathy from providers), issues with latching, lack of family support, and cultural norms are factors that contribute to breastfeeding disparities. (Source: CDC) 
  • Hospitals in areas with higher percentages of Black residents were less likely to provide recommended maternity care practices supportive of breastfeeding. (Source: CDC)

Strengthening supports for breastfeeding for Black Mamas and Birthing People is critical to advancing the health and well-being of Black Mamas and Birthing People.

The following organizations are Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) partners and collaborators who are making a difference by centering the breastfeeding experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people: 

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Learn more about the week-long #BMHW23 campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance below:

2023 Black Maternal Health Week