Breastmilk is the only complete nutrition for human babies. It is full of antibodies, enzymes, and hormones, which all help to fight infection, prevent disease, and contribute to normal healthy development. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months are less likely to suffer sickness, gastro-intestinal issues, colds/flu, and chest/ear infections. Research suggests that exclusively breastfed babies are half as likely to suffer from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The topic of breastfeeding can be a touchy one for many communities around America due to the sexualization of the female form and the breast more specifically. Breast can be seen as a tool to nourish and nurture one's baby, as well as a means of pleasure, as breastfeeding and sexuality are not mutually exclusive. For Black women, breastfeeding presents a unique set of challenges due to our history of wet nursing and enslavement, lack of familial and professional support, and access to basic knowledge surrounding breastfeeding. Out of this unique set of challenges was born Black Breastfeeding Week. Black Breastfeeding week 2020 is set to begin August 25th and end August 31st with this year’s theme being Revive. Restore. Reclaim! We hope you do all three as we come together to celebrate black lactation! What is Black Breastfeeding Week It is important to celebrate human lactation and breastfeeding in all its forms. The founders of Black Breastfeeding week, Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka, launched Black Breastfeeding week to reduce the disparities in breastfeeding between black communities compared to other ethnic groups. We use the last 7 days of August to celebrate our bodies, celebrate, and raise awareness of black breastfeeding education and advocacy. Why Black Breastfeeding Week is Important: According to founder Kimberly Sears Allers, there are 5 main reasons to celebrate Black Breastfeeding and Lactation:
To learn more about what the doulas of Our Mother's Light are doing in honor of Black Breastfeeding Week 2020 (August 25th-August 31st) head over to our Instagram page: @our_motherslight or Facebook: Our Mothers' Light
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