Posted @withregram • @wholechildco Black Breastfeeding Week begins today and brings awareness to the gaping racial disparity in breastfeeding rates, both in initiation and duration of breastfeeding.

What we know to be true is that white privilege exists in the breastfeeding community in a very big way:
•CDC data shows that 85% of white women have ever breastfed versus 69% of black women
•Black babies are dying at twice the rate (in some places, nearly triple) the rate of white babies
•A study showed 21% of Black mothers hospitalized for childbirth reported perceptions of poor treatment due to race, ethnicity, cultural background or language
•Many Black communities cannot access support for the best first-food, breastmilk, which is known to reduce the risk of diseases that Black children have the highest rates of including respiratory infections, asthma, childhood obesity + more
•It is also not debatable that breastfeeding advocacy is white female-led. “It unfortunately perpetuates the common misconception that black women don’t breastfeed. It also means that many of the lactation professionals, though well-intentioned, are not culturally competent, sensitive or relevant enough to properly deal with African American moms”- Kimberly Seals Allers- founder of BBW

This is happening in our communities. Everywhere. There is a lot of work to be done here and it extends far beyond this week.
In honour of Black Breastfeeding Week, I will be sending a copy of Free to Breastfeed: Voices of Black Mothers by Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka, founder of BBW to the first 5 people who would like to learn more. Simply comment below and I will message you to get your shipping information.
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#blackbreastfeedingweek #blacklivesmatter #bbw20 #reviverestorereclaim

Posted @withregram • @haltonhealthcare Billie Jo is a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Georgetown Hospital and volunteer with the Halton Breastfeeding Connection. She has a passion for helping mothers on their breastfeeding journey from start to finish.

As a mom herself, Billie Jo understands the struggles that come with breastfeeding for the first time. Being able to combine her nursing knowledge with her personal experience as a mom allows for her to connect with patients and help provide the best information possible.
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Her biggest piece of advice is to be kind to yourself and pay attention to your physical and emotional needs. #WBW2020 #WorldBreastfeedingWeek