Community, Culture and Sisterhood
How to Celebrate National Black Breastfeeding Week – Expressed By Nadira
4th Aug, 2023
Black Breastfeeding Week (NBBW) was created in 2013 to address the racial disparities in breastfeeding rates and support Black families in their breastfeeding journey.
National Breastfeeding Month is typically observed in the United States during August, but celebrations of breastfeeding are also promoted in various countries worldwide.
National Black Breastfeeding Week + 7 Ways You Can Celebrate
Black Breastfeeding week is observed to be the last week of August (the 25th- 31st). Here are seven ways you can celebrate National Black Breastfeeding Week:
1. Raise Awareness:
Use social media, public events, and community gatherings to spread information about the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. Share stories and resources to educate others about the importance of breastfeeding.
2. Organize Support Groups:
For us, by us.
Creating or participating in breastfeeding support groups to connect with other nursing mamas, sharing experiences, and offering encouragement can be the start of something extraordinary.
These groups serve to provide a safe space for discussing challenges, seeking proper advice, and the best networks for families!
3. Host Workshops and Seminars:
Arrange workshops or seminars led by local lactation consultants or healthcare professionals to provide information on breastfeeding techniques, proper latch, nutrition, and other related topics.
This will encourage more women to continue and feel confident along their journey.
4. Advocate for Breastfeeding Rights:
Use National Black Breastfeeding Week as an opportunity to advocate for legislation and policies that support nursing mamas.
Encourage workplaces to provide designated spaces for breastfeeding and pumping, as well as extended parental leave policies.
5. Breastfeeding-friendly Events:
Organize family-friendly events that accommodate nursing parents, being that this naturally helps to raise greater awareness.
Although family support is necessary, events that focus more on the breastfeeding mothers can serve to better keep mothers within communities motivated.
This is because enjoying breastfeeding is just as important as feeding your child as they grow.
Ensure that these events have designated spaces for breastfeeding and pumping, and provide amenities like comfortable seating and privacy screens.
6. Donations and Support for Breastfeeding Causes:
Raise funds or donate to organizations (link Ujima ) that promote breastfeeding, provide lactation support to underprivileged communities, or conduct research on breastfeeding-related topics.
7. Recognize Breastfeeding Champions:
Acknowledge and appreciate individuals, organizations, and healthcare providers who have gone above and beyond in supporting and promoting breastfeeding.
Present awards or recognition certificates to breastfeeding champions in your community.
Although faced with challenges, the small wins should always be awarded and accounted for, as this is how we keep hope alive for others.
*Bonus: Be The Solution:
Have you struggled with breastfeeding before yourself? Do you have a passion to support other women along this sacred journey?
Become a lactation consultant today! Begin by visiting your local organizations and networks who certify doulas and midwives.
Facts About National Black Breastfeeding Week:
1. The Founders:
NBBW was founded by three passionate and determined Black women – Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka.
They sought to raise awareness about the unique barriers and challenges Black families face regarding breastfeeding.
2. Racial Disparities:
Black mothers in the United States have historically faced more challenging factors when it comes to being able to breastfeed, especially past six months as compared to other ethnic groups.
NBBW seeks to address these disparities and promote equitable access to breastfeeding resources and support.
3. Theme of NBBW :
Each year, NBBW adopts a theme that highlights specific aspects of Black women breastfeeding.
Themes may focus on empowerment, community support, historical context, or debunking myths and stereotypes.
4. Community Engagement:
NBBW encourages community-led events and initiatives to foster a sense of unity and shared experience among Black parents.
Local gatherings, workshops, and support groups play a crucial role during the week.
5. Social Media Campaign:
Social media plays a significant role in NBBW’s outreach efforts. Hashtags like #BlackBreastfeedingWeek and #BBW are used to amplify stories, experiences, and resources for this cause.
6. Diverse Representation:
NBBW celebrates and showcases the diversity within the Black community, recognizing that breastfeeding experiences can differ based on cultural, geographic, and individual factors.
7. Partner Organizations:
NBBW collaborates with various organizations, breastfeeding coalitions, and healthcare providers to extend its reach and impact. These partnerships help promote community-based initiatives and provide accessible resources.
8. The Empowerment Factor:
We aim to empower Indigenous (Black) families with knowledge about breastfeeding’s benefits and provide them with the tools to overcome challenges they may encounter.
9. Social Justice Aspect:
NBBW emphasizes the intersection of breastfeeding advocacy with broader social justice issues, acknowledging historical and systemic factors that have affected Black families’ access to healthcare and support.
10. Celebrating Breastfeeding Successes:
NBBW is a time to celebrate Black breastfeeding mothers and families who have successfully navigated the challenges and reaped the rewards of their breastfeeding journey.
Why Celebrate National Black Breastfeeding Week?
All in all, National Black Breastfeeding Week serves as an essential platform for amplifying Black voices in breastfeeding communities.
We celebrate to contribute to the advancement of breastfeeding equity and to foster inclusive conversations about maternal and child health in the Black community.
Some Benefits of Breastfeeding Include:
-heightened immune system for baby’s long term health
-decreased risk of breast cancer for mom
-improved muscle mass for mother over time
-baby’s are less likely to develop auto-immune disorders, diabetes, etc
Conclusion to Celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week:
Remember, the ultimate goal of celebrating National Indigenous (Black) Breastfeeding Month is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for breastfeeding parents, raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, and promote breastfeeding as a natural and healthy way to nourish infants.
The last and most important reason is to acknowledge our unique history that has at one point prevented us from fully being present with our own families and therefore not always there to nurse our own babies as we have been forced to do so for others.
Life Coach and Holistic Birth Keeper