Photo provided by Natalie and Royal House of Wraps | royalhouseofwraps.com
This page of HeyTaeMama.com is dedicated to my Instagram page, of which I am the creator and owner, @BlackMomsBreastfeed. As a registered nurse, certified lactation counselor, and prenatal lactation class instructor, I have supported mothers on their breastfeeding journeys for the last four years. I help women breastfeed on a regular basis and for a living. I created @BlackMomsBreastfeed to support Black mothers and babies three years ago, after I discovered United States infant mortality rates, breastfeeding statistics, and the low numbers of Black women depicted in breastfeeding education and marketing campaigns.
There are many reasons for low breastfeeding rates including the United States’ history of slavery and wet nursing to decreased access to proper education to societal shaming. Since these earlier interviews, the statistics have greatly improved and there is proof all around us that yes, Black women do breastfeed! Just check out our Instagram feed! And more and more are joining every day!
While I am still learning every day and I have much more knowledge to acquire, here you will find a small list of my favorite resources. I hope you find it helpful. Please, please share this with any mothers or expecting mothers in your circle. Mother’s milk can save infants’ lives so we have to #NormalizeBreastfeeding now, not later.
What do the Neonatologists Say?
The Neonatologists and Physician’s Assistants I work with support:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics Breastfeeding Policy
- La Leche League
- Find local support groups in your area
- Use their FAQ for help with positioning and latch, milk supply, engorgement, you name it!
Black Breastfeeding Week
August 25th-31st
Read all bout Black Breastfeeding Week, its founders, and follow a veteran in the game, Kimberly Seals Allers. Kimberly is not only co-founder of Black Breastfeeding Week, but she even wrote a book on American breastfeeding culture.
National Women’s Health and Breastfeeding Helpline
1-800-994-9662 / womenshealth.gov
Video: How To Get a Good Latch
Breastfeeding is hard and I highly recommend taking a breastfeeding class *before* your baby is born! Bring it up at your prenatal appointments. Be vocal; tell your provider (OB/GYN, midwife, nurse) “I want to breastfeed and I want to be fully educated on this.” It is important to be your own advocate.
I love the video below because it is almost word-for-word what I taught in my lactation classes. Check it out!
[I am not the owner of this video or any of its rights. Video obtained from YouTube.com]
Find the latest breastfeeding statistics from the CDC on their website.
Note: While I am absolutely pro-breastfeeding, there will be no formula shaming on the site or on our Instagram page. I believe that it is vital that mother, father, and baby are *all* happy and healthy with whatever they may choose.
*IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Please follow the advice of your real life OB/GYNs and pediatricians. Do not read information online and on blogs and use it as medical advice without first consulting with your providers. Anything you read here, give your provider a call and say “Hi, I came across some information online that said blank, but what do you think is best for me and my baby?”