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Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week
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Throughout August, here at The Motherhood Kit, we are celebrating World Breastfeeding Month. In this episode we are diving deep on Black Breastfeeding to celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week, which was created due to the gaping racial disparity that exists in breastfeeding rates. In this episode, Yamel is joined by fellow IBCLC and nutritionist, Deidra Washington, to explore the various factors at play that have caused this, why education and raising awareness is so important, and what we can do to improve the situation.
Deidra, a colleague of Yamel's in the lactation field, has been supporting families in her community for over 10 years, and owns and operates Love On Top Lactation, a client centered company that provides prenatal breastfeeding education and postpartum lactation support. She is also a proud mother of two girls.
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You can also connect with Deidra via her Instagram.
In this episode, Yamel and Diedra discuss:
Contributing factors to this disparity
A large factor stems from historical aspects of how black people came to be in the US, and what some black women experienced in the slave trade, often to the detriment of her own child’s health. These issues, on a less drastic level, perpetuate today and have resulted in generational trauma that still runs deep.
The lack of diversity within professionals within the breastfeeding world
This lack of diversity within roles such as lactation consultants and doulas needs to be corrected, to broaden perspectives and better understand the needs and situations of the families they serve. It’s important that those working within these roles help create opportunities to encourage others to be able to join the profession.
Steps that we can take to create change
Providers can help in a variety of ways, such as having the list of local lactation consultants readily available for families who need help on their breastfeeding journeys. Individuals can educate themselves by looking into local resources and seeking support when needed – Yamel and Deidra both work with the WIC and their local Baby Café, which are invaluable in supporting families.
Access events in your area via https://blackbreastfeedingweek.org/
Seek lactation support with Yamel:
One Love Doula are here to help with their in-home and virtual lactation support services, designed to educate, empower and troubleshoot any issues you may be having during your breastfeeding journey. Led by experience, IBCLCs and CLCs are services available both in person and remote to fit your busy schedule, and the best part is this service is covered by most insurance providers, meaning you can receive professional support without any out of pocket expense. Let us help you navigate the rewarding experience of breastfeeding ensuring that you and your baby thrive.
Click here to schedule a consultation toda
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