"Black mothers consistently have the lowest breastfeeding initiation rates compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S., with recent data showing rates around 74-75% versus overall rates of ~84%."
- National Institute of Health
​
Largely due to:
Systemic racism,
lack of workplace support,
and historical exploitation,
though disparities decrease when distinguishing Black immigrants from native-born African Americans.
To boost Black breastfeeding initiation in hospitals
IMPACT aims to focus on culturally competent, patient-centered support while integrating Black lactation consultants and doulas, addressing historical trauma, ensuring racial concordance in care, implementing strong Baby-Friendly practices, and connecting families to community support groups to bridge gaps beyond discharge. The Black Birth To Breastfeeding Bill of Rights was created out of necessity for equity, education and advocacy for support in the early days of breastfeeding or chestfeeding families. This Bill or Rights ensures Black families they have the right to:
​​
- Early and immediate skin-to-skin
- Education on benefits of colostrum, hunger cues, tummy size and hand expression
- Avoid formula unless medically necessary
- Advocacy that acknowledges cultural care factors
- Extended support post-discharge through community resources to IBCLCs
IMPACT Doulas and Community Breastfeeding Wellness Advocates ensure families understand they not only have child birthing rights they also have the right to breastfeeding their babies too. Remember what's good for Black bodies and families is almost always beneficial for everyone.
Will you take the pledge to support Black families in achieving their feeding goals to increase Black breastfeeding rates?! Take the pledge below!! Interested in becoming an advocate for birth and breastfeeding wellness, join the next workshop or training here.
HUEman Milk for HUEman Babies!!
A Rights-Based Framework for Families of The Global Majority, Providers, and Systems.
Our Black Birth to Breastfeeding Bill of Rights centers dignity, safety, and culturally responsive care while supporting the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding/chestfeeding and the well-being of families.
TM
1. The Right to Respectful, Dignified Care
Black birthing people have the right to:
-
Be treated with respect, without bias, coercion, or judgment.
-
Have their pain, concerns, and instincts believed and taken seriously.
-
Receive care that honors their cultural practices, family structures, and lived experiences.​
​
2. The Right to Immediate and Uninterrupted Bonding
Black families have the right to:
-
Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth whenever medically possible.
-
Delayed non-urgent procedures to support early bonding and breastfeeding initiation.
-
Rooming-in with their baby 24/7, without pressure for separation.
3. The Right to Informed Breastfeeding Support
Black birthing people have the right to:
-
Clear, evidence-based, and unbiased information about infant feeding options.
-
Breastfeeding education that begins prenatally and continues postpartum.
-
Support that respects feeding choices without shaming or pressure.
​
4. The Right to Skilled, Culturally Responsive Lactation Care
Black families have the right to:
-
Timely access to lactation support from trained professionals.
-
Care that acknowledges the historical and present-day barriers Black families face in breastfeeding.
-
Support that is trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and affirming.
5. The Right to Breastfeeding Initiation Support After Birth
Black birthing people have the right to:
-
Hands-on help with the first latch if desired.
-
Support for positioning, milk supply, and newborn feeding cues.
-
Protection from unnecessary supplementation or formula introduction without informed consent.
​
6. The Right to Family and Community Support
Black families have the right to:
-
Include partners, elders, doulas, and support people of their choosing.
-
Access community-based breastfeeding support, including peer counselors and culturally rooted programs.
-
Continued support beyond discharge, including referrals and follow-up care.
7. The Right to Protection from Harmful Practices
Black families have the right to:
-
Freedom from coercive feeding practices or fear-based counseling.
-
Protection from discriminatory assumptions about feeding intentions or abilities.
-
Transparency about hospital policies that impact breastfeeding and infant care.
​
8. The Right to Postpartum Continuity of Care
Black birthing people have the right to:
-
Ongoing breastfeeding and postpartum support beyond the first days after birth.
-
Screening and support for physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
-
Care plans that recognize the interconnectedness of maternal wellbeing and infant feeding success.
​
9. The Right to Advocacy and Accountability
Black families have the right to:
-
Speak up without fear of retaliation.
-
File concerns and receive follow-up when care falls short.
-
Systems that actively work to eliminate racial disparities in birth and breastfeeding outcomes.
​
10. The Right to Thrive
Black families have the right to:
-
Conditions that allow breastfeeding to be supported, protected, and sustained.
-
Care that centers joy, healing, and generational wellness.
-
A birth and breastfeeding journey rooted in autonomy, safety, and love.