I am really happy that color is not important to you, it should not be to anyone, however the reality is much different for black mom, and people of color in this country. I don’t see how recognizing and try to change the low breastfeeding statistics for black women, BY black women is segregating anything?

It’s funny because when I first saw black breastfeeding week, I was taken aback as well…because even though I consider myself informed about baby related things, I had no idea how the statistics broke down.

Danielle, you wrote this message to me on my birthday without knowing it and I tell you it was one of the best gifts I could’ve received! Thank you!

Thank you so much for sharing all that you did Mo! You also bring up a lot of important points and questions. I’ll forever cherish our time spent talking about birth and babies. Let’s do it again soon 🙂

First let me say this I am so proud of you!. As a black woman who chose to breastfeed both children, I agree that most black women choose not to breast feed. Out of all my black friends and family, maybe around 90% DID NOT breast feed. Back then I didn’t look too much into it but as I am thinking about the issue and being a black woman myself I ask myself why? I can’t help but to think that maybe other racially based statistics play apart in this astounding study the CDC did. For instance there are more single african american mothers having children these days; and having a husband or partner can make quite the difference in being able to manage breastfeeding. There are more caucasian stay at home mothers, again because their husbands or partners are able to work while mom gets to stay home and tend to her baby, making it a hell of of lot easier to go through the ups and downs of breast feeding a baby. I can go on and on about why I think these racial statistics play a huge part in the findings of this study and in no way am I saying all black women are all one way and all white woman are another I mean I was a single mother I chose to breastfeed so clearly I am not saying we ALL fall into those categories but I still believe these issues are affecting us as black women. I am however simply agreeing that the study calls for action to be made! We (black women) have not always been this way, I chose to breast feed my children just like my mother breast fed me and her mother breast fed her! Somewhere within the last few decades there has been a shift and we must do something to advocate and promote a change in these findings. I find it to be very sad that you received such negative feedback especially from a group of women who also are clearly “segregated” and placed into their own categories of being “plus- sized” or “big” and that being “plus-sized” meant somehow you weren’t in “normal” condition to be a mother or to give birth!! We (mothers) come not only in all shapes in sizes but in all sorts of beautiful colors also. I applaud the work you are doing Jen and being your personal friend only makes it even better. I give you all my support in all your future endeavors my friend 🙂

Thank you Nae! It was an honor to take a stand for black breastfeeding week. I plan to be an ally far more often than once a year about this issue.

Wow thanks Kirsti!