HEALTHIER YOU: Breastfeeding for Black mothers
August 17, 2024 by agutting@reviewjournal.com
Filed under Health
BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN
The month of August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for most infants. Although breastfeeding rates in the United States have increased during the past decade, racial/ethnic disparities persist. Breastfeeding surveillance typically focuses on disparities at the national level, because small sample sizes limit examination of disparities at the state and territorial level.
However, birth certificate data allow for assessment of breastfeeding initiation among nearly all newborn infants in the United States, both nationally and at the state and territorial levels.
The reasons that breastfeeding is so good for both mom and baby are not often discussed with parents. For babies, breast milk lowers risks of ear, lung, and intestinal infections, Asthma, overweight, diabetes, allergies, Leukemia and lymphoma, and sudden unexplained infant death (SUID).
For mothers, breastfeeding or pumping milk lowers risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bleeding after delivery and postpartum depression.
Strong support is essential for successful breastfeeding. Lack of family and social support exists in many Black communities where breastfeeding has not been widespread for many historical and social reasons. When difficulties in breastfeeding occur, a woman can feel alone and discouraged not knowing where to turn for help. A mother may give up on breastfeeding, even before the baby is first seen in the pediatrician’s office.
A higher percentage of Black women (60%) work outside the home than all other groups of women, and are more likely to be the only source of income for the family. A federal law protects a breastfeeding mother at work by requiring most employers to provide time and a private location to express her milk. Still, pumping at work is hard. Mothers still worry about consequences from their employer and economic challenges as breaks for pumping are unpaid.
It is important that all women have regular healthcare checkups. Make your appointment today by calling Innovative Women’s Care at (702) 413-7740 or visit us at 7650 West Sahara Ave. Suite 100 in Las Vegas.
