As we celebrate Black History Month, we pay tribute to the struggles and achievements of the people and events that have shaped our nation. Join the USBC in recognizing the histories and continuing invaluable contributions of Black people in the United States.
By working together to raise awareness about Black maternal, infant, and child health, and bringing to light community priorities, strengths, and assets, we can all share and utilize resources, and actively engage in collaborative efforts to advance health equity.

Resources for Black Families and Lactation Support Providers

• The B.L.A.C.K. Course
  • A full-scope lactation and breastfeeding education course made by and for Black People and folks supporting Black breastfeeding.
• Chocolate Milk: The Documentary
  • A film about the state of breastfeeding in Black America from The African American Breastfeeding Project.
• It's Only Natural
  • The It's Only Natural campaign from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health, has information for African-American women and their families about the health benefits of breastfeeding — not just for babies, but for moms too. It includes facts about breastfeeding and practical tips on how to make breastfeeding work.

Webinar Spotlight from USBC

• DC Breastfeeding Coalition: Defining Cultural Competency - Mudiwah Kadeshe, MSN, RN, CCE, IBCLC, Vice President and Director of Programs/Grant Management. DC Breastfeeding Coalition 
  • This webinar presentation explored the visible and non-visible aspects of culture, how cultural factors influence breastfeeding in the African-American community, and how to expand and sustain the reach of a breastfeeding coalition. Serving a community of predominantly low-income families of color, with a lack of breastfeeding knowledge and limited support, the DC Breastfeeding Coalition is known for its ability to leverage funds to advance community breastfeeding goals.
    

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Organizations Focused on Black Breastfeeding

• African-American Breastfeeding Coalition of Oregon
• Black Mama's Matter Alliance
• Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association
• Breastfeeding Sisters That Are Receiving Support (BSTARS)
• Indiana Black Breastfeeding Association
• National Association of Professional and Peer Lactation Supporters of Color (NAPPLSC)
• Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE)

NBCC Reimagined Presentation Spotlight

• Big Ship Turning: Changing the Culture of Feeding Black Babies - Renae Maree Green, Healthy Start, Inc.: Healthy Start Center for Urban Breastfeeding program
  • This session will highlight the impact of creating a continuity of care model that extends from pregnancy throughout the postpartum period to support black families in their decision to breastfeed. While experts recognize that breastfeeding is overwhelmingly beneficial for babies, there are large differences in breastfeeding rates for African American women; many of whom don't have access to information, awareness of health benefits, or lack social support around sustaining breastfeeding through infancy and beyond. Establishing a program to support families in-home not only reduces barriers to receiving care externally but has been successful in sustaining breastfeeding duration rates.
    

Materials about Black History Month

• ACNM and the Midwives of Color Committee (MOCC) Celebrate Black History Month!
• Baby-Friendly USA
  • Mothers of Memphis: Celebrating Breastfeeding During Black History Month
• Black in Lactation
  • A month long celebration of Black International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and lactation support providers during Black History Month and Black Breastfeeding Week
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Celebrate African American History Month
• HealthConnect One
  • Black History Month blog posts and resources 
• Office of Minority Health
  • Black History Month 2021 Toolkit