Why don’t more Black women breastfeed? What are the benefits of breastfeeding? When it comes to the subject, make sure you have all the information you need, to make the best decision for you and your baby.
Recognized in August, National Breastfeeding Awareness Month aims to educate and promote breastfeeding. Research shows that breastfeeding rates among African-Americans are lower than other groups. Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Survey indicates that among children born in 2011, about 61% of Black children have ever been breastfed. That is compared to 81% White and close to 84% Hispanic.
According to the Office on Women’s Health (OWH), breastfeeding is special for a number of reasons, including closeness and bonding with your baby, specific nutrition only you can provide and cost savings.
The OWH states that cells, hormones, and antibodies in breastmilk protect babies from a number of illnesses and helps lower the risk of:
- Asthma
- Childhood leukemia
- Childhood obesity
- Ear infections
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Lower respiratory infections
- Necrotizing (nek-roh-TEYE-zing) enterocolitis (en-TUR-oh-coh-lyt-iss), a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract in pre-term infants
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Type 2 diabetes
In addition, a study led by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences revealed that children who are breastfed have a 20% decreased risk of dying from the ages of 28 days to one year compared to children who aren’t.
The decision however to breastfeed is a personal one and as a mom you have the right to decide what’s best for your family.
Learn more at:
Office on Women’s Health, Breastfeeding