Breastfeeding plays an important role in nourishing future generations, but the legacy of colonization and slavery has had a lasting and negative impact on Black women’s experiences. When discussing Black breastfeeding, it's important to acknowledge this history in which Black women often breastfed babies who were not their own, highlighting the lack of choice they had. During the time of slavery, Black women were referred to as wet nurses or “mammies” and were forced to nurse and breastfeed the children of White slave owners. This practice stripped Black women of their autonomy, depriving them of the choice to nurse their own children. This practice was a form of exploitation, with no compensation or recognition for their forced labor. White women had the freedom to choose whether or not to breastfeed their children, while Black women were denied that same choice for centuries.
Even after slavery was abolished in the U.S., wet nursing continued to be common practice. This was one of the few employment opportunities for Black women. Many were hired to nurse white infants when their mothers passed away, were unable to breastfeed, or chose not to. As technology advanced, artificial and bottle feeding became more popular, leading to a decline in wet nursing.
Factors Impacting Breastfeeding Today
Today, Black breastfeeding rates are still quite low in comparison to other races and ethnicities. Breastfeeding for Black mothers has been impacted by painful historical trauma, socioeconomic factors, healthcare system bias, lack of lactation resources, and more.
Socioeconomic Disparities. Black women often face socioeconomic disparities that impact the initiation and duration of breastfeeding their babies. According to the Listening to Black Mothers in California report, Black women usually return to work earlier than they’d like due to financial pressures and being the primary earners in their households. This early return can shorten breastfeeding time. Many Black women work in jobs that lack flexibility and benefits, like family leave, making it even harder to breastfeed. While laws require employers to provide breastfeeding breaks and private spaces, many low-wage jobs don’t fully support these needs.
In California, breastfeeding protections are extended without time limits. Although laws require employers to provide breastfeeding breaks and private spaces, many low-wage jobs do not fully support these needs. Furthermore, Black mothers often live in areas with limited access to affordable, healthy food, which can further impact the success of breastfeeding.
Misconceptions about Breastfeeding. Common misconceptions about breastfeeding that have impacted Black breastfeeding include:
Formula feeding is easier than breastfeeding
Breastfeeding makes your breasts sag
No one else will be able to care for a breastfed baby, they will only want their mother
Breastfeeding mothers do not get adequate sleep
Sexualization of Breasts. While all female bodies are sexualized, Black and BIPOC women face even greater over-sexualization. The harmful stereotype of labeling Black women as promiscuous can affect how Black women see their bodies and add to the stigma around the natural process of breastfeeding.
Reclaiming our Narrative and Centering our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice
Today, Black women are reclaiming the power and beauty of breastfeeding–taking back a practice that was once stolen from them. Despite facing historical and systemic obstacles, including stereotypes and lack of support, many Black women are taking control of their breastfeeding journeys with pride and resilience. By prioritizing their health and their babies' well-being, they are redefining their own experiences and paving the way for future generations to feel empowered and supported in their breastfeeding choices. Campaigns like Black Breastfeeding Week are crucial in this movement, providing a platform to celebrate shared experiences and advocate for better support and resources.
Black Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from August 25th to 31st during National Breastfeeding Month, focuses on addressing and eliminating the disparities impacting Black breastfeeding. This year’s theme is “Reclaiming our Narrative and Centering our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice.” This year’s theme highlights the transformative power of changing narratives and elevates storytelling as a crucial force for equity and justice in breastfeeding.
Resources:
Check out some of our amazing breastfeeding resources at blackwpc.org/breastfeeding
Sources:
https://blackbreastfeedingweek.org/black-breastfeeding-week-toolkit-resources-2/
https://irthapp.com/the-history-of-black-women-breastfeeding/
https://milkbank.org/black-history-month-racial-disparities-in-breastfeeding/
https://blackbreastfeedingweek.org/why-we-need-black-breastfeeding-week/
https://blackbreastfeedingweek.org/why-we-need-black-breastfeeding-week/