Why Aren't We Breastfeeding, Black Mothers?
Ms. Palinski at the University of Pittsburgh is looking at why it is that, according to her research, only 55% of Black mothers are breastfeeding, compared to 72% of White mothers and 73% of Hispanic mothers. She has solicited responses to the question , "why are less Black women choosing to breastfeed?"
Below is my response. You can find a broader disussion of the issue at www.BlackParentMovement.com.
I am a black mother of five children. I breastfed all of my children for 10 to 12 months each. I am not one of these earthy, living in the country sisters. I am an attorney and a writer and a city girl, who likes to do the easy thing.Breastfeeding for me was the easy thing. Having nursed for nearly a cumulative 5 years, I have encountered many other Black women who were not shy about their opinions of my choice.
The reason breastfeeding was an easy choice for me is because I have a very supportive mother, who, though she did not breastfeed herself, never expressed any negativity. My mother-in-law is a pediatrician who nursed all seven of her children. So my husband was supportive and pleased with the choice. And my mother-in-law was helpful and encouraging. I also had friends who nursed alongside of me.
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