OHIO — Black Breastfeeding Week begins this week in tandem with National Breastfeeding Month.
It's an opportunity to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding, which health officials say is especially important for Black women because of the stigma and health problems that come with not breastfeeding.
What you need to know According to the Ohio Department of Health, black infants in the state are 2.6 percent more likely to die before their first birthday than white infants Health officials say black women are often encouraged by their elders to supplement formula with cereal to ensure their babies get enough nutrition A lack of diversity in the breastfeeding field poses educational challenges for black mothers Challenges such as low birth weight, iron deficiency and childhood diseases are some of the health issues babies who are not breastfed may face
Jatu Boikai, head of obstetrics nursing at Mount Carmel Health System and the state's only Black nursing director, encourages non-traditional breastfeeding.
“You don't have to attach your baby to the nipple. It's not the only way to breastfeed a baby. But we know that breast milk is the best nutrition for babies from newborn to two years old,” Vojkai said.
It is also important to ensure that mothers in the Black community are educated about breastfeeding and have access to quality care.
If a mother does not breastfeed, her baby may face a variety of health problems.
“Some babies have low birth weight. Some have been diagnosed with growth failure. Some babies are iron deficient or lacking certain nutrients they should be getting,” she said.
For mothers, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of postpartum depression and diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Although breastfeeding is encouraged, it's no secret that mothers can struggle to breastfeed for a variety of reasons, including low or excessive milk supply, infections, blocked milk ducts, etc. That's why the National Office of Women's Health recommends talking to your doctor to see if you have hormonal issues and consulting with a lactation consultant.
Other organizations, such as OhioHealth, are now offering pasteurized donor milk to mothers in need at their milk banks as an alternative. Mothers' Milk Bank can be contacted at (614) 566-0630 or by email at [email protected].
