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Racial disparities in breastfeeding
From blackdoctor.org African American mothers breastfeed at lower rates than other groups of women for a myriad of reasons and since August was Breastfeeding Awareness Month it is still a good time to call attention to the health benefits for both mom and baby. Maria Wright, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in South Sacramento, says one big barrier is negative myths about breastfeeding that have been passed down for generations. Some of these myths include beliefs that breastfeeding will affect the size and shape of your breasts, breastfeeding is painful, or breastfeeding will affect the bond between the baby and the father. “There needs to be more positivity and support for our new moms,” she said. The benefits of breastfeeding begin as soon as moms start. Even immediately after birth, breastfeeding releases hormones that can help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reduce uterine bleeding following birth. There are also long-term benefits:
Moreover, breastfeeding leads to metabolic changes that could reduce risks of hypertension. African American women are disproportionately affected by hypertension, and yet breastfeeding continues to lag behind this group of women compared to the general population. “Breastfeeding helps women lose weight, which helps reduce the risk of hypertension and diabetes,” Dr. Wright added. To increase the rate of breastfeeding among black women, interventions are needed to address barriers experienced disproportionately by black mothers, including earlier return to work, inadequate receipt of breastfeeding information from providers, and lack of access to professional breastfeeding support. Enhanced understanding of these barriers could improve the effectiveness of interventions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are certain benefits to giving baby nothing but breast milk. One benefit is the cost – breast milk is free. Increasingly, Dr. Wright said formula is an out-of-pocket expense. Dr. Wright said many new moms turn to formula because they need to return to work. She offered a few tips on how to keep up with breastfeeding while working. Some women might assume their workplace won’t make accommodations for pumping moms, but Dr. Wright points out that by federal law, employers are required to support breastfeeding mothers to express breast milk for one year after each child’s birth, by providing mothers with reasonable break time and private, non-bathroom space to express their breast milk. Also, Dr. Wright recommends that women pump breast milk and store in the freezer – it can last several months – so they have a back-up supply if necessary. | ||
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