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National Breastfeeding Month highlights maternal health disparities
August marks National Breastfeeding Month, an observance established in 2011 by the United States Breastfeeding Committee to raise awareness regarding maternal and infant health. While breastfeeding offers significant nutritional, physiological, and immunological benefits for both mothers and infants, various barriers prevent many families from succeeding.
In the United States, significant disparities exist for Black mothers. Systemic racism, unequal access to healthcare, a lack of culturally competent care, and economic or workplace barriers contribute to a breastfeeding gap. Research indicates that Black mothers face higher infant mortality rates, and advocates emphasize the need for increased community backing and resources to address these inequities.
On a local level, individual practitioners like Alyssa Thooft, founder of Lactation with Alyssa, provide specialized education and emotional support to help mothers navigate the physical and spiritual demands of the postpartum period.
Entities
Alyssa Thooft · Birth Without Bias · Lactation with Alyssa · United States Breastfeeding Committee
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Black mothers face systemic racism, unequal healthcare access, and lack of culturally competent care. kysdc.com · newsone.com · rickeysmileymorningshow.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The United States Breastfeeding Committee established National Breastfeeding Month in 2011. kysdc.com · newsone.com · rickeysmileymorningshow.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Improving breastfeeding practices could prevent hundreds of thousands of child deaths and tens of thousands of maternal deaths annually. kysdc.com · newsone.com · rickeysmileymorningshow.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Workplace policies and economic barriers hinder the ability of Black mothers to initiate and continue breastfeeding. kysdc.com · newsone.com · rickeysmileymorningshow.com