August 29th 2023.
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is recognizing Black Breastfeeding Week. On the morning of August 24th, BPHC, alongside lawmakers, advocates, healthcare providers, and community partners, gathered in Boston’s Roxbury community to shed light on the disparities in breastfeeding rates among Black mothers. The City of Boston reported that the celebration focused on raising awareness of the impact these inequities have on Black families and ways to support them.
“Breastfeeding is important for supporting the health and well-being of babies and infants,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “But unfortunately, it is often inaccessible for many Black families. We’re in the midst of a nationwide Black maternal health crisis, yet we can help Black babies and infants thrive and overcome the inequities harming our Black communities by supporting these families on their breastfeeding journeys.”
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that only 25% of infants born in 2020 were “exclusively breastfed in their first six months of life.” Health organizations recommend that children be breastfed throughout their first two years to ensure proper health and development. It was noted that Black mothers show lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding than their white counterparts.
Alexandra Valdez, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement, shared her understanding of the struggle women face when breastfeeding, especially in public. “As a woman of color, Latina, and first-time mom, I understand firsthand the struggle women face when breastfeeding, especially in public. Ensuring that new moms have support and the necessary resources in their community is crucial.”
As part of the event, BPHC hosted a ribbon cutting for the newly installed Mamava lactation pod in the Bruce C. Bolling Building lobby. The pod is open to the public for mothers to breastfeed free of charge.
Black Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration that takes place from August 25th to 31st. It is an important reminder of the need to improve breastfeeding rates among Black mothers and to provide them with the necessary resources and support to ensure the health and well-being of their children.
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