Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • 2025 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Parenting

Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In

Gather round new and expecting moms! There's much to know about lactation.
Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In
A beautiful young African American mother nurses her newborn baby under a blanket. She is sitting on a couch in her living room. The shot crops the top half of mom’s head. Baby’s legs are sticking out from under the blanket.
By Jasmine Grant · Updated October 23, 2020

The benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby are endless: rapid postpartum weight loss, antibody transfer from mother to baby, reduced risk of chronic illnesses in later life, increased bonding/attachment and the list goes on. More than 80 percent of new moms try breastfeeding, according to research from the CDC. Unfortunately, Black moms represent the lowest percentage among them. Board-certified pediatrician and mother Dr. Michelle Davis-Dash, MD is on a mission to shed light on the lack of lactation education for women of color.

Dr. Davis-Dash says there are multiple reasons why African-American mothers have the lowest rate of breastfeeding initiation and duration of all ethnic groups, but it all comes down to one key factor: convenience!

“I find that in my clinical experience, the convenience of formula tends to win out over breastfeeding for mothers who have no strong conviction about breastfeeding, or who have a hard go of it in the beginning,” she says.

Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In

Deeper than that, there are cultural beliefs in the Black community that affect attitudes towards breastfeeding. The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities notes that “the mistaken belief that ‘big is healthy,’ leads moms to introduce formula early.” and that “the cultural belief that the use of cereal in a bottle will prolong the infant’s sleep” are just a couple contributing factors to low breastfeeding rates.

Dr. Davis-Dash explains that there are also socioeconomic factors at play that make breastfeeding for new moms more difficult to stick with – especially for working moms who return to work soon after giving birth. “You also don’t see the availability of lactation resources in our communities as you do in other populations,” she continues. “In lower socioeconomic groups, (which, to be clear, are not synonymous with Black), folks have to work, which necessitates earlier childcare and impedes breastfeeding.”

Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In
African American Business Woman Breastfeeding. Isolated on White.

Pumping is usually the method through which moms can continue breastfeeding, but non-supportive work environments can make it impossible. “I truly believe there should be some federal standard for maternity leave and employer accommodations for breastfeeding mothers such as a nursing room,” she says. “Discussions about breastfeeding should begin from the first prenatal visit and continue through delivery.”

So what is the solution? Dr. Davis-Dash says there’s a wealth of resources, products and information out there to make breastfeeding doable for all Black women. “At the hospital, new moms can ask to see the lactation specialist (usually without additional charge) who will come in and help with proper latching techniques,” she says. “Also, in an age when everything is at our fingertips via our mobile phones there are some wonderful online breastfeeding groups, social media groups, and events that help educate and offer support and ongoing encouragement with mamma. You got this! “

Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In

Moms – we’ve got you covered! See below for a shopping gallery of products, supplements, and services designed to ease your breastfeeding journey.

01
Nanobébé Starter Set
Nanobébé’s award-winning baby bottles for breastfed babies encourage a smooth transition from breast to bottle (and back). The baby will instinctively connect to the bottle’s familiar shape, while 2x faster warming satisfies baby’s immediate hunger needs while protecting its vital nutrients from damaging temperatures during warming.
Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In
nanobébé
available at Amazon $50 SHOP NOW
02
Liquid Gold Dietary Supplements
Whether you plan to nurse or pump for one month or one year, Liquid Gold® can help you cross the finish line. This supplement contains a blend of powerful organic ingredients designed to optimize breast milk production.
Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In
Legendairy Milk
available at Legendairy Milk $20 SHOP NOW
03
Milkmakers Lactation Cookie Bites
Each bag is filled with tasty, bite-size cookies packed with ingredients traditionally used to support breast milk supply. The on-the-go pouches conveniently fit into your busy breastfeeding life.
Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In
Munchkin
available at Amazon $22 SHOP NOW
04
Medela Pump in Style Advanced® Starter Set
Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In
Medela
available at Target $200 SHOP NOW
05
Spectra Cooler Kit
The Spectra Cooler Kit is designed for easy and convenient transportation of your breast milk. Insulated, spacious interior keeps your breast milk fresh for up to a day and accomodates up to 6 Spectra Storage Bottles.
Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In
Spectra Baby USA
available at BuyBuyBaby $25 SHOP NOW
06
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Breast Creme
Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In
Lansinoh
available at Wal-Mart $8 SHOP NOW
07
Bebe Au Lait Nursing Scarf
Keep you and baby covered with this functional and versatile nursing scarf.
Black Women Are Breastfeeding Less Than Any Other Group, But Why? A Pediatrician Weighs In
A Pea In A Pod Maternity
available at A Pea In A Pod Maternity $30 SHOP NOW
TOPICS:  Black mothers breastfeeding