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

The full scope lactation and breastfeeding education course made by and for Black People and folks supporting Black breastfeeding families. This course is designed to be a prep course for aspiring IBCLC’s and Breastfeeding counselors and other supporters.

Chocolate Milk Documentary

This film is an exploration of the racial divide in breastfeeding. Told through the narratives of three African American women: a new mother, a midwife and a WIC lactation educator, the film seeks to answer the longstanding question of why more African American women are not breastfeeding.

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 Spotlights

DC Breastfeeding Coalition: Defining Cultural Competency

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This webinar presentation explores 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.

​Presented by: Mudiwah Kadeshe, MSN, RN, CCE, IBCLC, Vice President and Director of Programs/Grant Management.

Big Ship Turning: Changing the Culture of Feeding Black Babies

This session highlights 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.

​Presented by: Renae Maree Green, Healthy Start, Inc.: Healthy Start Center for Urban Breastfeeding Program
Organizations Focused on Black Breastfeeding
Materials about Black History Month
Copyright U.S. Breastfeeding Committee.  All Rights Reserved.
1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (773) 359-1549 | office@usbreastfeeding.org | sitemap
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