Black Breastfeeding Week: a CityMom's story
But first, a note from theCityMoms:
Mamas,
We honor every woman's unique journey through motherhood, regardless of how it unfolds. It is also our responsibility to acknowledge that not all women have equal opportunities to experience motherhood. Today we celebrate the kickoff of Black Breastfeeding Week and its profound significance. So, keep on boobin! We’re cheering you on.
xo, theCityMoms
Breastfeeding. There is no wand to point, no magic pill to swallow to ensure that your breastfeeding journey is one for the books. It takes a supportive, encouraging environment that is conducive to breastfeeding and all that comes with it.
As moms, our number one goal is to give and breastfeeding is the ULTIMATE GIVE.
It is a sacrifice that calls for your time, your discipline, and of course love. There is no badge, but every drop of milk, sweat, and tears brings you closer to the goal of giving your child the nourishment perfectly created just for their growing bodies.
But, we must acknowledge that all women aren’t afforded the privilege of time, opportunity, and resources to nurse their infant. I have to acknowledge my privilege of being able to breastfeed six girls (yes, read that again - SIX, all those beautiful girls in the picture below). I was able to stay home with them for a time, pumping and nursing thereafter. It isn’t lost on me that this is not the norm. Especially for women that look like me, who come from where I come from; breastfeeding is not the norm.
This week is Black Breastfeeding Week.
You might wonder why Black women need a special breastfeeding week. Black women are more likely to face socioeconomic barriers to nursing, which may prevent them from having maternity leave or limit their access to breastfeeding and pumping time, supplies, and resources.
Cultural perceptions surrounding breastfeeding (read about the role of enslaved Black women forced to serve as wet nurses for slave owners) and a lack of diversity in the lactation field has led to a community lacking role models and support.
You heard ‘fed is best,’ so why is it a big deal if Black women breastfeed? Being fed is the requirement, but in the Black community, fed may not always be enough.
Black babies are nearly twice as likely to die as white babies, mostly due to the poor maternal care and services mothers may receive during pregnancy. This results in babies that are born smaller, weaker, and more vulnerable to illness, all of whom can greatly benefit from the immunities and nutritional benefits of breastmilk.
According to the CDC, increased nursing among Black women could decrease infant mortality rates by as much as 50%. So, it’s important Black women in our communities feel supported, have resources, and see other Black women breastfeeding to normalize the experience- it is literally a matter of life and death. If you don’t have a community around you, rooting for your breastfeeding journey, it’s easy to quit on it yourself.
Black women are called upon to be pillars in their community, to fight the fight against injustice, to earn livable wages, and to care for our families - all while breastfeeding. This is a feat that seems exponentially unachievable, yet some persevere. The staggering statistics could keep anyone from even trying.
But here I am.
My journey has not been all full breasts and full bottles. It’s been physically extensive, and emotionally draining, and I’ve wanted to quit each time I started. If I’m really being honest, sometimes I even hated the statement “the baby is hungry.” While breastfeeding was gratifying, it was (OK, is, I just gave birth last month) the loneliest time of my life.
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Is this a safe space to share? Yes? Well, bring it in sisters, I’ve got something to tell you.
I’ve cried hard, real tears each time I’ve found myself nursing in a corner at a social event where no one was watching. The kind of tears that start without you even knowing. One tear rolls down your cheek, and the next thing you know your eyes are swelling and you’re hurriedly wiping your face. Not because I didn’t love breastfeeding or my baby, but because I was alone and no one noticed.
On the flip side, there is a great sense of value when you look down at this gorgeous, God-created face and hear the sounds of suckling.
I forever hold over my husband's head that I nourished all of our daughters with my body alone. Luckily, he was my biggest supporter and continues to support me on what will be my final breastfeeding journey. I nursed my first for 13 months, my second for 12 months, my third for 8 months (she was ready to go play with her sisters early), my fourth for 15 months, my fifth for 18 months, and we are going on a little over a month with our youngest.
Breastfeeding has helped me mature as a woman.
It let me know that Black women can beat the odds stacked against us. It has helped me throw caution to the wind when it comes to feeding in public. Most of all it helped me to cheer for the mom next to me. I always notice and say a little prayer for the mom in the corner with a nursing baby.
Please know that you are loved, you are supported, and you are a breastfeeding rockstar. Right now, it may seem like there is no end in sight, but these days won’t last. Lastly, give yourself the grace that the best baby is a fed baby.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lateva, AKA The All Purpose Woman is a Detroit girl living in an Indianapolis world. She is an entrepreneur, Faith leader, wife, and mother of 6 daughters. As the owner of The All Purpose Woman blog, she shares her experiences on purposely living for the modern wife, woman, and mom.
She is the co-founder of Create. Connect. Collab. A community that provides creatives, leaders, and entrepreneurs the accountability, resources, and connections to amplify their personal brands and business achievements.
She additionally owns SoCo Content Creation, where she does brand management & coaching. She loves to share her motherhood journey on her international podcast, This Messy Mumlife. Lateva is passionate about helping women find their purpose and build Purposely Powerful lives.
