Breastfeeding in America holds a complex history, especially for the Black community. This month we celebrate the vital role Black women play as lactation consultants in Black history, reclaiming a narrative long shrouded in pain and exploitation. To understand the present, we must journey back through time and acknowledge the shadows of the past.

 The Trauma of Wet Nursing

During slavery, Black women were systematically forced to serve as wet nurses, nourishing their enslavers white infants, while often denied the opportunity to fully nurture their own. Women were often forced to bear children only to have those children sold. This separation, coupled with the commodification of their bodies, inflicted immeasurable suffering, and deeply impacted breastfeeding practices within Black communities.

 Stigma and Disinformation

Even after slavery's end, the shadows remained. Post-Reconstruction stereotypes perpetuated the image of the "mammy," further associating Black women with nurturing white children, not their own. Additionally, marketing campaigns for formula pushed aside the narrative of breastfeeding's benefits, disproportionately impacting Black families. The effects of this messaging are pervasive today as we work to restructure these narratives.

Reclaiming the Power: Black Women Rise as Lactation Consultants

Despite these challenges, Black women have always possessed the inherent knowledge and cultural traditions of breastfeeding. Today, this legacy thrives through the growing number of Black lactation consultants. These change makers are dismantling harmful stereotypes, providing culturally competent care, and empowering Black mothers to make informed choices about feeding their babies. Glass ceilings continue to be broken and Black history continues to be made. Krystal Thomas of Lifenlactation is part of the less than 3% of IBCLCs (Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultants) who are Black and the First Black IBCLC at her hospital.

Beyond Advocacy: Addressing Systemic Barriers

While Black lactation consultants are crucial, systemic barriers persist. Lack of access to healthcare, affordable formula, and poor workplace support disproportionately affect Black families. True progress requires dismantling these discriminatory systems and ensuring equitable access to resources that support all mothers in their breastfeeding journeys.

What Can We Do?

·      Support Black-owned lactation businesses and organizations.

·      Amplify the voices of Black lactation consultants and breastfeeding mothers.

·      Advocate for policies that promote breastfeeding equity, such as paid parental leave and access to lactation support.

·      Educate yourself and others about the history of breastfeeding for Black women in America.

Celebrating the Journey: Hope and Healing

Black women's role in breastfeeding extends far beyond lactation consultants. They are mothers, grandmothers, educators, and community leaders who carry the stories of the past while paving the way for a future, where every mother feels empowered to nourish their child in the way that best suits them. By acknowledging the complexities, celebrating the present, and working towards a more equitable future, we can ensure that all babies thrive, regardless of their background.