During Black Breastfeeding Week, we shine a light on a truth that should never be ignored: Black mothers face systemic barriers to breastfeeding—barriers that cost lives. This week isn’t just about awareness. It’s about action.

🤱🏾 The Problem

Black women in the U.S. have the lowest breastfeeding initiation rates of any racial group. Only 74% of Black infants are ever breastfed, compared to over 85% of white infants. Even fewer are still breastfed at 6 months—often due to lack of access, bias in healthcare, and limited culturally affirming support.

But when we invest in Black mothers, the outcomes change.

💪🏾 The Power of Access

With access to skilled lactation support, culturally grounded education, and systems that affirm their experiences, Black women breastfeed at the same rates—or higher—than their peers.

✅ Breastfed babies have stronger immune systems, lower rates of SIDS, asthma, and obesity.
✅ Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers.
✅ Black families report increased confidence, bonding, and resilience when they are supported to breastfeed.

At our organization, we’ve helped hundreds of Black mothers start and sustain their breastfeeding journeys by providing:

Free and low-cost access to IBCLC-certified lactation consultants
In-home and virtual support to meet families where they are
Breastfeeding education that centers Black culture and experience
Advocacy for hospital policy change and Medicaid reimbursement for lactation care

💜 Your Donation Builds Lifesaving Support

This Black Breastfeeding Week, we’re raising $10,000 to expand our breastfeeding services across Essex County, NJ and beyond. Your donation helps us:

Sponsor lactation visits for uninsured families
Train more Black lactation consultants and peer counselors
Provide breast pumps, supplies, and breastfeeding kits
Host community events that celebrate and normalize Black breastfeeding

Every dollar you give goes directly toward breaking generational cycles of health inequity.

📣 Join the Movement

Whether you’re giving $10 or $1,000, your support is a declaration:

✊🏾 Black families deserve care.
✊🏾Black babies deserve nourishment.
✊🏾 Black motherhood deserves to be honored and protected.

Support Black Breastfeeding Week: Uplift a Generation Through Lactation Equity

By Perinatal Health Equity Foundation

Support Black Breastfeeding Week: Uplift a Generation Through Lactation Equity

Breastfeeding is an act of love, resistance and power

Team Members