Breastfeeding in the Black community has a very complicated history and continues to face many barriers to this day. According the CDC “African American women have the lowest rates of breastfeeding initiation, as well as continuation at 6 months and 12 months, compared with all other racial/ethnic groups in the United States.”

Many of the barriers that prevent Black mamas from breastfeeding or conitunous breastfeeding include

• Pain/Discomfort
• Lack of time
• Lack of support and information that promotes breastfeeding
• Lack of support from Employer
• Lack of social and cultural acceptance/sexual percpetions
• Prefer bottle feeding
• Low milk production
• Diffiuclty with baby latching on breast

Becasue of these challenges and hurdles it is important to have support, education and resources during your breastfeeding journey.

Here are some of the ways you can get support

Organziations

Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association

BMBFA’s objective is to provide education, valuable resources and ongoing support to black families and public/private agencies that service these families.

African American Breastfeeding Network

The mission of AABN is to improve maternal child health and champion breastfeeding equity by (1) advocating system/policy changes,

(2) Partnering with community-based, family-centered, culturally tailored health education and support services.

Soulfood 4 Your Baby

Soul Food for Your Baby (SFYB) is a community program that empowers African American families to breastfeed with their heart, body, and soul.

Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere

ROSE currently provides outreach, education, and technical assistance to prenatal care providers and delivery centers to encourage them to adopt practices that support breastfeeding in their policies.

Black Breastfeeding Week

Multi- platform public health and LOVE campagin to celebrate Black breastfeeding

Social Media and Support Groups

Breastfeeding Support Group for Black Moms

We are a mom-to-mom breastfeeding support group. We offer encouragement, support, and evidence-based information through community and friendship to help expectant and nursing moms to reach their breastfeeding goals.

Virtual Lactation Lounges: by Camie Goldhammer and Open Arms Perinatal Services

Provides weekly free virtual lactation lounges led by BIPOC providers.

Black Moms Breastfeed

We work to normalize breastfeeding in the Black community.

Black Breastfeeding Circle of Mamas

A center of learning for Black women providing access to evidence based information, resources and the community support necessary to navigate breastfeeding and motherhood successfully

Black Pumping Mamas

This group is for women of color who are looking for support and advice, related to pumping, for their precious little ones.