Honoring Black Breastfeeding History: Strength, Resilience, and Community
Black History Month is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the future. As this important month comes to an end, we want to take the time to provide some education on the history of Black mothering and breastfeeding - issues very near and dear to our hearts. Because when it comes to breastfeeding, Black mothers have powerful stories to tell — stories of pain, resilience, advocacy, and the pursuit of health equity. We recognize the torrid history of Black breastfeeding, acknowledge the challenges that still exist, and celebrate the incredible strength of Black mothers who nourish the next generation.
A Legacy of Strength and Survival
For centuries, Black women in America have faced unique challenges related to breastfeeding. To truly understand why, you need the historical context. During slavery, many were forced to serve as wet nurses, feeding and caring for enslavers’ children while being denied the ability to nurse their own babies. This painful history disrupted breastfeeding traditions within Black families and contributed to generational trauma (Generate Health STL). It’s obvious that these effects are still being seen today.
Despite these hardships, Black women have always found ways to care for their babies and pass down wisdom through community support and cultural traditions. Today, this strength continues as more Black mothers are reclaiming breastfeeding as an act of self-care, empowerment, and love.
Breaking Barriers and Rebuilding Traditions
Unfortunately, breastfeeding disparities still exist. Black infants are less likely to be breastfed compared to white infants, due to systemic barriers such as lack of access to lactation support, implicit bias in healthcare, and fewer workplace accommodations (CDC). However, Black lactation consultants, doulas, and community organizations are actively working to change this.
Organizations like Black Breastfeeding Week, Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE), and The B.L.A.C.K. Course are leading the way in education, advocacy, and support for Black mothers who choose to breastfeed (US Breastfeeding Committee).
Celebrating Black Mothers and Their Breastfeeding Journeys
Breastfeeding is an act of love, connection, and nourishment. Every Black mother who chooses to breastfeed is carrying forward a legacy of resilience while paving the way for future generations. Black mothers and families have had farther to go than their white counterparts, and disparities still exist to this day. But bringing awareness to these inequities in care and support can help to shine a light on the incredible Black organizations and communities tackling the important topic of Black breastfeeding.
This Black History Month, let’s celebrate the power of breastfeeding and honor the Black women who continue to lead, support, and inspire their communities. Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, supplementing, or supporting another mother on her journey—you are part of a movement that is rewriting the narrative.
