In the United States, breastfeeding rates among Black women have improved in recent years but still lag behind those of other racial and ethnic groups. According to the CDC, while 84% of white mothers initiate breastfeeding, only 70% of Black mothers do so. Furthermore, the duration of breastfeeding among Black mothers tends to be shorter, with 29% breastfeeding at 6 months compared to 45% of white mothers. These disparities highlight the need for targeted support coupled with intervention to tackle hurdles such as cultural beliefs, socioeconomic factors, and inadequate access to lactation support services. Simply put, breastfeeding is a public health concern because it provides significant health benefits for both infants and mothers, reduces healthcare costs, and has a lower environmental impact. Promoting breastfeeding through education, supportive environments, and addressing barriers is essential for improving overall public health.
August is National Breastfeeding Month. As such, efforts to increase breastfeeding rates among Black women should focus on providing culturally competent care, improving access resources, and addressing systemic inequalities that affect breastfeeding outcomes. Elevate Black Health will strive to produce more tips on how to support your breastfeeding partner and empowering Black mothers to overcome breastfeeding stigma.
Targeted support can even present itself at the workplace. Let’s look at the demographics of those breastfeeding and analyze how and why your workplace may provide additional support.
Who is Breastfeeding?
The demographics related to breastfeeding can vary based on cultural, socioeconomic, and regional factors. However, some general demographics include:
- Age: Women in their late 20s to early 30s are often more likely to breastfeed compared to younger or older age groups. Younger mothers may face barriers due to lack of support or education. Meanwhile, older mothers may have a number of personal or medical considerations limiting their ability to breastfeed.
- Education: Higher levels of education are often associated with higher rates of breastfeeding and duration. Educated women tend to have better access to information and resources that support breastfeeding.
- Income: Socioeconomic status plays a role. For example, women from higher-income households typically having higher breastfeeding rates. Lower-income women may face challenges such as lack of access to lactation support services or having to return to work sooner due to lackluster healthcare or insurance.
- Race and Ethnicity: Breastfeeding rates can vary among different racial and ethnic groups. Factors influencing these differences include cultural beliefs, historical practices, access to healthcare, and socio-economic factors.
- Geographic location: Breastfeeding rates can also differ based on geographic location, including urban vs rural areas, as well as between countries with varying healthcare systems and cultural norms related to breastfeeding.
- Employment status: Even women who are employed face challenges in continuing to breastfeed due to workplace policies, access to lactation support, and availability of maternity leave.
Understanding these demographic factors helps employers develop targeted interventions and support systems to promote breastfeeding among all women, regardless of their background or circumstances. However, how can your workplace play a role in whether a mother breastfeeds or the duration in which a mother breastfeeds?
Supporting women who are breastfeeding in the workplace is crucial for their well-being and to ensure they can continue their careers without compromising their health or that of their child. Many places of employment do not officially have maternity leave. However, many must use Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). But it’s important to understand that approximately 40 percent of women do not even qualify for this benefit which allows 12 weeks of leave. As such, many Black women are using an unpaid, unsecure leave for maternity. Understanding the demographics of breastfeeding mothers and the hurdles regarding a proper maternity leave and sustaining a work-life balance, Elevate Black Health urges workplaces to take action and support breastfeeding mothers.
5 Ways to Aid Breastfeeding Employees:
- Designated lactation rooms: Many mothers have found themselves in an unclean, uncomfortable bathroom stall. Provide a comfortable, private space specifically designed for pumping breast milk or breastfeeding. This room should be equipped with a comfortable chair, a table or surface for a breast pump, electrical outlets, and ideally, a refrigerator for storing milk.
- Flexible break times: Offer flexible break times or allow for additional breaks specifically for pumping breast milk. This flexibility helps accommodate the unpredictable nature of milk production and ensures that women can pump milk at regular intervals, which is important for maintaining milk supply.
- Supportive policies: Implement supportive policies that explicitly address breastfeeding and pumping at work. These policies should outline the rights of breastfeeding employees, including provisions for break times, lactation room access, and storage of milk.
- Educational resources: Provide educational resources or training sessions for managers and colleagues to raise awareness about the importance of supporting breastfeeding employees. Partner with your local department of health and provide literature regarding the topic to all employees. This can help create a supportive culture and reduce stigma surrounding breastfeeding in the workplace.
- Breastfeeding-friendly environment: Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where breastfeeding is normalized. This can include displaying informational posters about breastfeeding rights and resources, ensuring managers are approachable for discussions about breastfeeding needs, and encouraging a culture where colleagues respect the privacy and needs of breastfeeding employees.
As we observe National Breastfeeding Month, it’s crucial to prioritize initiatives that support Black mothers by overcoming barriers and providing equitable care. Elevate Black Health is committed to offering guidance and support to empower Black mothers and challenge breastfeeding stigma. Additionally, workplaces have a significant role in fostering supportive environments for breastfeeding employees. By focusing on these areas, we can make meaningful progress towards improving breastfeeding rates and overall public health.
For More Reading:
How Systemic Racism Contributes to Less Breastfeeding Amongst Black Mothers (verywellfamily.com)
Maternity Leave in the United States: Facts You Need to Know (healthline.com)
- Black Breastfeeding Week – blackbreastfeedingweek.org
- This site offers resources, support, and advocacy specifically for Black breastfeeding families.
- La Leche League International – llli.org
- This organization provides general breastfeeding support and has resources that can be useful for Black women and families. Look for their articles and resources that address diverse communities.
- The National Black Breastfeeding Coalition – blackbreastfeeding.org
- A coalition dedicated to improving breastfeeding rates and support for Black mothers, with resources and information tailored to their needs.
- Healthy Children (American Academy of Pediatrics) – healthychildren.org
- Offers comprehensive breastfeeding advice and articles, including information relevant to diverse populations.
- Breastfeeding USA – breastfeedingusa.org
- Provides general breastfeeding support with some resources and guidance specific to Black women and their unique experiences.
