First, The Bible is the only book of quality anyone should be reading. The Bible advises us on everything from life to death, sister. Secondly, breast feeding is always the best nutrient for your baby, nothing God put on this earth is to harm us. Third, don't you believe all those surveys! Who are performing these surveys where african american women,men, and children are at the top of the list, except in intelligence and education????? Common sense seems amiss here.....

In reviewing the comments here it makes me wonder why are Black women still so messed up when it comes to marriage and parenting? I actually already know the answer as do we all but it's so time to let go of the old thinking and hangups that hold us back. Breastfeeding your child is the most healthy, loving, natural and tender thing a woman can do for her child and I'd say we all need to give and receive more love and tenderness right about now. While breastfeeding isn't always an option, let's teach our babies a different way of living and thinking by example where possible.

I think we should stress that breastfeeding as an option - not a necessity.
I hate how breastfeeding moms make it sound like their children are somehow superior to other children. I guess babies whose moms die in childbirth or get adopted at birth are doomed to be sick and stupid.
Stop generalizing and give women the information and freedom to choose what is best for their families.
I plan to breastfeed my child, but I wasn't breastfed. I have no allergies, was never seriously ill, never had the flu, was in talented and gifted programs from kindergarten, and graduated from a top university. Nothing compares to a mother's love, time, and attention.

Hon. Sister Rev. Elanor, please put down your Bible (apprently that is not helping your intellect either)and educate your self with quality books. It is not "mess" and what is unsanctified about breastfeeding?? Wow, your comments discredits your made-up name.

I only stayed home for three months after my son was born. I went back to a very demanding job and still made time to pump. Luckily where I work, they have a mothers room. You just have to make your mind up to make time, and do what is in the best interest of the child. I breastfeed exclusively for 2 1/2 years.

I would definately try this with my first child but I work full time, so I wonder how that would work. Did the study take into account people that are not stay at home mothers?

I breast fed my son. and i am no scientist nor a doctor but he is now 14 he has never had and ear infection, maybe 4 colds in his entire life. Not 1 cavity. And according to my girlfriends mom she told me to put a drop of breast milk in each ear. Now that maybe an old myth but he is free of any sickness thusfar and how often is that a kid gets this far w\o ear infections which are highly common during those first several months of their life. so i must say i am and advocate for breast feeding!!! That was my first option when he arrived.

I was very pleased to know that Essence had an article discussing Black women and breastfeeding. In America's advertising and marketing worlds Blacks are lacking in two major industries-parenting and matrimony. We are hardly featured in bridal magazines and parenting magazines.
Therefore when I saw Essence discussing African-American women and breastfeeding I was highly interested.
I breastfed my first daughter for 15 months and now breastfeeding my 4 week old. My great-grandmother breastfed my grandmother. However, neither my grandmother or mother breastfed their children.
I have friends and family who say their child did not latch on or had difficulty establishing a breastfeeding routine while in the hospital and therefore they bottle-fed. From the comments posted, it seems a lack of knowledge and understanding continues to divide us. Breastfeeding is not nasty, sinful or disgraceful. Breastfeeding does take time, consideration for oneself and for one's child. And for those reasons alone, I choose to nurse my child. I am more patient, organized and have a special bond with my daughters plus I am taking care of myself in the process. Thankls Essence for featuring this topic....Breastfeeding is not just for other ethinic groups.

Hello and greetings.

I am a PhD student in a school of public health in the mid west. I am an advocate for mothers breastfeeding thier babies as long as they possibly can.

Mother's milk contains levels of DHA that have yet to be completely replicated by formula. DHA is crucial in brain development for babies. Mother's milk also contains live probiotics, the bodies natural immune system builders. So that means your child will start to develop a very strong and healthy immune system. Breastfed children are less likely to get flu, colds, or ear infections. The children also seem to respond to thier vaccinations better, with less mild side effects.

Also as the child grows and changes, so does the breast milk. So the breast milk changes its composition to meet the needs of the growing child. The first milk that comes in right after the birth of your child is called "liquid gold" (colostrum). It is somewhat clear in nature, thick, faint goldish color and will be able to nourish the newborn until the full-fledged milk comes in.

All states have laws protecting the rights of mothers and children. The right for a mother to feed her child in the form of breastfeeding in public places. It is not a crime to receive nourishment.

Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mother. She will lose her post pregnancy weight and help shrink the uterus back into shape, she will release happy and healing endorphins into her bloodstream as she nurses, she will also help to reduce her risk for various cancers....Breastfeeding also gives women a sense of empowerment and confidence. They are developing a strong bond with the child that can not be broken....and yes there have been studies regarding IQ and breastfed children in other countries....

May we continue to open our minds and hearts to what is best for ourselves, our children and our community at large.

Peace and Blessings
A mum who cares
I breastfed each of my children for 33 months...

They all graduated with honors at the top of thier respective clasees, all attended ivy league universities...

We are not in Africa and we shouldn't be running around like we are in National Geographic. While being like Nefer-Tiddy is fine over there, it's not fine here.

I really feel sorry for the state of Black women! At least the ignorant one's that are writing such crazy comments! If you are this wrapped up about a breast that God created to feed a child, not to be sexualized. Whoever thinks a breast is for a man, is sick in the head! It is for your husband, but God made it also for a special bond between a mother and child. You sick people get a life!

Didn't CBS get fined 500K for Janet Jackson whipping hers out in public?

Breastfeeding isn't nasty at all. its the best thing for a baby. I was breast feed and hardy got colds and never got the flu...EVER... my siblings who weren't breastfeed get colds all the time and they had flu as well as the adults in my house and i had not one symptom. As far as feeding in public all you have to do is pump before you leave the house and take a bottle. You don't have to expose your breast. Last but not least breast feeding is Not a sin...The person who said black women have no business doing this are you saying that god will punish black women and not the others if it was a sin? wrong why? because this isn't a sin. You are bonding with your child A bond that no one else will share with that child. Why would god punish that?

No disrespect but huh? What are you talking about?

Black women have no business doing this mess. We should be sanctified and remember we are being represented in the white house and throughout the world. People are looking and you better repent cause we are in the last days.