Black Breastfeeding Week: We Outside!

Black Breastfeeding week takes place annually and this year will be held 25-31 August 2023. Highlighting the disparities in breastfeeding rates amongst black women and raising awareness to the challenges unique to the Black Community.

We must all play a part in the solution whether it’s through advocacy, recognising the impacts of our own bias, validating mothers’ experiences and concerns or being the person to listen and act. This year’s theme is We Outside! Celebrating Connection & Communities #BBW2023.

It has been previously highlighted that black women have a unique complex heritage in relation to their mothering and breastfeeding experiences throughout history. Black breastfeeding week came about because of a stark inequity in breastfeeding rates between black women and white women.

Our Trust’s Infant Feeding Leads in Hull and East Riding attend the National Infant Feeding Network (NIFIN) meetings and the Cultural competency sub-group that focuses particularly on racial inequality and how we can improve breastfeeding accessibility and support for all. They are working hard on analysing infant feeding data to better understand racial disparity, allocate resources and promote inclusivity for all.

For more information about Infant Feeding Support available in your area please contact your local IPSHN Team or access East Yorkshire Breastfeeding Support | Humber ISPHN or your local children centre https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/living/children-and-families/childrens-centres