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THE HISTORY OF BLACK WOMEN’S BREASTFEEDING EXPERIENCES

  • Aug 26, 2024
  • 5 min read

Updated: Feb 9


Black mother breastfeeding her baby

Breastfeeding is deeply rooted in Black culture and heritage. Historically, religiously and spiritually, breastfeeding is regarded as sacred and essential for nourishing future generations. Breastfeeding also provides a ton of health benefits for mothers and babies. However, rates of breastfeeding for Black families are much lower than those of their white counterparts. Rather than a result of “personal choice”, this disparity reflects a long history of systemic racism.


A History of Exploitation

During the time of slavery, Black women were often used as wet nurses, forced to nurse and breastfeed the children of slave owners. They were stripped of their autonomy and deprived of the choice to nurse their own children. This practice was a form of exploitation, with no compensation or recognition for their forced labor. While white women had the freedom to choose to breastfeed their children, Black women were denied the choice for centuries.


Even after slavery was abolished, wet nursing continued to be common practice. Wet nursing was one of the few employment opportunities for Black women and their compensation was very little. This commodification of Black women’s bodies continued into the 1940s, contributing to multigenerational trauma and resistance to breastfeeding. 


As technology advanced, artificial and bottle feeding became more popular, leading to a decline in wet nursing. Further separating Black women from breastfeeding, formula companies aggressively targeted Black communities and families of color through marketing campaigns. Formula was marketed as a “sophisticated” lifestyle choice which resonated with Black families navigating a racist society that labeled them as unsophisticated and uncivilized.


Additionally, baby formula was promoted as a “lifestyle” choice. White women, who often worked as secretaries or homemakers, had the luxury to choose between breastfeeding or formula. For Black families, survival required every family member, including mothers, to work long hours in grueling jobs. Under these conditions, formula feeding became a necessity for Black families to ensure their baby was fed.


Factors Impacting Breastfeeding Today

Today, breastfeeding rates for Black women and birthing people 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 breastfeeding resources, and more.  


Healthcare Disparities  



  • Education about breastfeeding initiation in hospitals is inconsistent and, in some instances, nonexistent, and mothers are left alone without guidance 


  • According to the Black Women's Health Imperative, 1 in 4 Black women rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage and Medicaid pays for 65% of births for Black mothers, making it the largest payer for Black maternal health.


    Data shows that states who expand Medicaid providing benefits like breastfeeding education, lactation consultation, and breast pumps see improved maternal and infant health outcomes. However, many states with large populations of Black constituents have decided not to expand Medicaid. 

"When Medicaid is fully funded and protected, it supports wellness at every stage of life. When it’s undercut, the consequences hit vulnerable communities first and hardest."

  • Black women face a higher chance of developing perinatal mood disorders which are associated with lower breastfeeding rates. Due to factors like fear of stigma, involvement of child welfare, and financial barriers, Black women are also less likely to receive treatment.  


Reclaiming Breastfeeding and the Necessity of Community for Systems Change

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, stereotypes and lack of support, many Black women are taking control of their breastfeeding journeys with pride and resilience. Prioritizing their health and well-being, they are redefining their own experiences and paving the way for future generations to feel empowered and supported in their breastfeeding choices.  


Supporting breastfeeding and lactation is not just the sole responsibility of Black families. It is a community responsibility, including healthcare systems and policymakers.  At BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC), we contribute to this shared responsibility by offering culturally affirming, respectful care and by connecting families with the resources that make breastfeeding more accessible and sustainable. We also advocate for policies to remove barriers at the systems level so breastfeeding can be an option for everyone.  

 

 

Awareness campaigns like Black Breastfeeding Week are also crucial, providing a platform to celebrate shared experiences and advocate for better support and resources. Mark your calendars for Black Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from August 25th to 31st during National Breastfeeding Month. This week focuses on addressing and eliminating the disparities impacting Black breastfeeding.  


Breastfeeding Resources: 

Check out some of our amazing breastfeeding resources at blackwpc.org/breastfeeding 


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