Black Breastfeeding Week 2024 will be observed from August 25 to August 31. This week is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges and benefits of breastfeeding in the Black community. It aims to promote breastfeeding as a key strategy to improve health outcomes for Black mothers and babies, address racial disparities in breastfeeding rates, and celebrate Black breastfeeding culture. The week often features events, discussions, and educational campaigns designed to support and empower Black families in their breastfeeding journeys.
And this year, The theme for Black Breastfeeding Week 2024 is **"**Listen Up! Reclaiming Our Narrative & Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice." This theme emphasizes the importance of amplifying Black voices in the breastfeeding community, highlighting their stories, and advocating for breastfeeding justice through reclaiming narratives and experiences.
All about Black Breastfeeding Week
It was only a few weeks ago that we were celebrating World Breastfeeding Week. So you might be wondering, why do we need a Black Breastfeeding Week? What’s the difference? How is it important to make the future a better, more equal place for Black mothers?
Here are some things you may want to know about Black Breastfeeding Week and why it exists.
While associations and healthcare organisations have placed an emphasis on celebrating breastfeeding, raising awareness and offering support and encouragement for 20 years, there was nothing specific to address the difficulties in the rather unique experience of Black mothers.
When and why did BBW start?
Black Breastfeeding Week was established in 2013 and is observed annually from August 25 to August 31. It was founded by three Black women: Kimberly Seals Allers, a journalist and maternal and child health advocate; Kiddada Green, the founding director of the Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association; and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka, a nurse and breastfeeding advocate, with the event running from August 25-31 to raise awareness of the health benefits and personal empowerment of breastfeeding in the Black community.
Black Breastfeeding Week was brought over to the UK, to coincide with the US Black breastfeeding week by Doula and maternal health educator, Ruth Dennison in 2017.
Not only does this week serve to celebrate and amplify the successes Black breastfeeding mothers deserve to be recognised for, but it also serves to highlight and revolutionise the hardships Black women have faced year on year in regards to birthing and nourishing their babies at the breast.
Ruth explains, “Evidence shows that Black families suffer the highest infant mortality in the UK and it is strongly believed breastfeeding could help reduce the numbers.” It is widely noted that breastfeeding and mums breastmilk have countless health benefits for mother and child; it can help prevent many illnesses, infections, diseases and reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome).
A brief history
There is a history of breastfeeding trauma for Black women. This trauma has travelled down through generations into the experience of Black women and their birthing and breastfeeding journeys today. Ruth explains, “This may still be hindering breastfeeding in the black community today, many black women tend to not seek breastfeeding education, they tend to listen to their family elders, especially grandparents, as they are placed as the veterans in parenting.” But when for generations breastfeeding has not been viewed through or experienced in a positive way, it is difficult for the advice that is given to be beneficial or empowering.
Historically, the act of breastfeeding was seen as a self-demeaning one and women who were seen breastfeeding were often thought of as uncultured, poor and often shunned. This is why white mothers exploited black mother's milk.
Emily West, Researcher and author, writes in Mother’s Milk, an academic journal which examines the history of wet-nursing and slavery, about enslaved black women who, in the 1700s, were exploited and forced to breastfeed the children of their slaveholders. This exploitation of black mothers as "wet-nurses" often led to the enslaved black mother being separated from her own friends, families and babies.
Breastfeeding was considered the 'messy' part of motherhood. Even today, breastfeeding is still something of a taboo topic, breastfeeding in public can make some mothers nervous and passersby ‘uncomfortable’.
How to support BBW
Supporting Black Breastfeeding Week can be a powerful way to advocate for health equity and support Black mothers and families. Here are some ways you can contribute:
Educate yourself and those around you
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Learn about the issues: Understand the disparities in breastfeeding rates, historical context, and the systemic challenges Black women face in breastfeeding. Share this knowledge with others through conversations, social media, or community events. Take part in in webinars, panel discussions, and workshops focused on Black breastfeeding. Many organizations host events during this week that are open to the public.
Be heard
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Share stories and resources: Use your social media platforms to amplify the voices of Black mothers, lactation consultants, and advocates. Share articles, videos, and posts that highlight Black breastfeeding experiences and challenges. You could also follow and support organizations like the Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA), Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE), and other groups that focus on Black maternal and infant health.
Form safe spaces
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Support local initiatives: Work with community groups to create or support breastfeeding-friendly spaces in local areas, such as churches, community centers, and workplaces. Giving your time to local organizations that support Black mothers, such as by leading breastfeeding support groups or offering childcare during events, is also another great way.
Celebrate and join in
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Attend events: Join in the celebrations during Black Breastfeeding Week, whether online or in person. Events might include marches, workshops, and social gatherings. Organise events like breastfeeding meet-ups, family picnics, or art projects that celebrate Black breastfeeding culture.
Remember, Black Breastfeeding Week 2024 will be an essential observance, continuing the tradition of addressing the unique challenges and celebrating the triumphs of Black mothers and families in breastfeeding.
As in previous years, the week will likely focus on raising awareness about the disparities in breastfeeding rates among Black women, advocating for equitable access to breastfeeding support, and fostering a community of empowerment and education.
It will continue to be a crucial platform for advancing the conversation around breastfeeding, health equity, and cultural competence, striving to make breastfeeding a more accessible and supported practice for all Black families.
Adejumoke Ilori is a Commercial and Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mommy of one and enjoys writing about baby world, mothership, true life stories (especially single parenthood), and celebrity gossip. And, with a degree in Creative Writing, she has also worked with media platforms like OK! Magazine, New, She Rose Revolution and Fab Magazine.