Disparities in Breastfeeding Among Black Mothers
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Disparities in Breastfeeding Among Black Mothers
In a study about the disparities in breastfeeding among U.S. Black mothers, it discussed how in the United States, while breastfeeding continuation beyond 2 months has increased over the past decade, Black mothers continue to have the lowest rates of breastfeeding continuation at 6 months compared with all other major racial/ethnic groups (Safon et al., 2021). Also, mentioned in the article, compared with non Hispanic White mothers, non-Hispanic Black mothers are less likely to practice any breastfeeding at 3 months by 14.7 percentage points.
Facts About Black Mothers and Breastfeeding
The results of the study showed the disparities in U.S. breastfeeding rates persist among Black mothers where 40.0% of U.S.-born Black, 82.2% of foreign-born Black, and 57.3% of U.S.-born White mothers reported breastfeeding at 2–6 months. (Safan et al., 2021).
Also, the researchers of the study stated that employment was negatively associated with exclusive breastfeeding for U.S.-born Black mothers. Stronger support for paid parental leave and breastfeeding accommodations in the workplace are needed, especially for low-income mothers in part-time or service-based work environments.
Lastly, it was found in the study that use of books for infant care information was positively associated with breastfeeding continuation, whereas Internet use was not.
A Sick Mother's Milk is Better
In his book How to Eat to Live, Book Two on page 89 the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, stated the following to encourage women to breastfeed: A sick mother's milk is better for her baby than a healthy cow's milk or any animal's milk. You may give your babies cow milk, but if you can breastfeed them yourself as nature intended then you should do so (Muhammad, 1972).
Book Promotes Breastfeeding
In an effort to promote and encourage breastfeeding among our women, I was inspired to research and gather information from various scholars, the Center of Disease Control, and the World Health Organization (WHO) that would help explain the benefits women and their children will gain as a result of breastfeeding. After gathering the benefits of breastfeeding from these sources, I complied them into my new book, The Benefits of Breastfeeding: 100 Reasons to Nurse Your Baby. To add a copy of my new book project to your home library or to give as a gift to a young woman or an expecting mother use the following link: https://nationsproducts.com/collections/frontpage/products/the-benefits-of-breastfeeding-100-reasons-to-nurse-your-baby-1
Nadine Muhammad has a Master of Science in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. She is the owner of an online bookstore, Nation's Products, and NLM Economic Development Services. For a consultation with business plan writing or developing an economic development strategic plan for your community, send an email to nlmeconomicdevelopmentservices@gmail.com
References
Muhammad, E. (1972). How to eat to live. Muhammad's Temple No. 2
Safon, C. B., Heeren, T. C., Kerr, S. M., Clermont, D., Corwin, M. J., Colson, E. R., ... & Parker, M. G. (2021). Disparities in breastfeeding among US black mothers: Identification of mechanisms. Breastfeeding Medicine, 16(2), 140-149. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7891211/pdf/bfm.2020.0310.pdf