Breastfeeding Support
Reducing racial inequities for black families.
Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association’s goal is to have a national impact on the reduction of racial disparities in breastfeeding success for black families.
Racial disparities in breastfeeding among Black families are significant and deeply rooted in historical and systemic issues. Studies show that while the overall rates of breastfeeding in the United States have improved, Black mothers consistently face lower breastfeeding initiation and duration rates compared to their white counterparts. Contributing factors include inadequate access to culturally competent healthcare, lack of support in the workplace, and pervasive societal stigma surrounding breastfeeding. Additionally, the impact of socioeconomic challenges and insufficient maternity leave policies further exacerbates these disparities, leading to negative health outcomes for both mothers and infants. Addressing these inequities is crucial for promoting health and wellness in Black communities.
BMBFA aims to build foundational networks of support, and strengthen systems to overcome historical, societal and social barriers to breastfeeding success.
BMBFA envisions positive cultural sentiments about breastfeeding, multi-generational breastfeeding support and encouragement within black families and neighborhoods. BMBFA’s value proposition is to optimize the first food experience for black families through direct service, education, and advocacy.
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At the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, we educate through culturally relevant programming and resources designed to support and empower Black mothers in their breastfeeding journeys. Our approach combines workshops, peer support groups, and hands-on demonstrations, ensuring that mothers receive practical, actionable information in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
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The Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association (BMBA) is dedicated to empowering Black families through a comprehensive suite of resources and programs designed to support breastfeeding and maternal health. Our initiatives include educational workshops, community support groups, and access to knowledgeable lactation professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black mothers. We strive to create an inclusive environment that promotes healthy breastfeeding practices, fosters confidence in new mothers, and addresses social determinants of health. Through our programs, we aim to increase breastfeeding rates and ensure every mother has the tools and support necessary to succeed on her breastfeeding journey.
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Advocacy and support foster a nurturing environment for breastfeeding mothers. By raising awareness and addressing barriers faced by marginalized communities, we enable informed choices and equitable resource access. Support systems, including healthcare providers and community organizations, empower mothers through education and shared experiences. Collectively, these efforts promote a culture that values breastfeeding as essential to maternal and infant health, ensuring every mother feels supported in achieving her breastfeeding goals.
BMBFA Programs
At Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, our programs for families and providers are designed to support and empower breastfeeding journeys through comprehensive resources and community engagement.
The breastfeeding club offers a welcoming space for mothers to connect, share experiences, and receive guidance while enhancing their breastfeeding skills. Our community-based doula programs provide trained doulas who offer emotional and physical support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, fostering a nurturing environment for families. Additionally, our childbirth education classes equip expectant parents with critical knowledge and skills, promoting informed decision-making and confidence as they prepare for their journey into parenthood. Together, these initiatives cultivate a strong support system that celebrates and uplifts breastfeeding families.
Families
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Tired of feeling isolated? Want to meet and talk to other breastfeeding mothers? Want to share your breastfeeding experience with others? Are you pregnant and want to know more about breastfeeding? Come hangout with us. Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Club® is a FREE mother-led breastfeeding support gathering that meets in a community setting. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers come together for fellowship, sisterhood and breastfeeding support.
Join the fun! See our calendar for upcoming gatherings.
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The Community-based Doula Program is a FREE service that connects expectant mothers of Detroit with peer support throughout their pregnancy, during birth, and the early post-partum period. We focus on this sensitive period in a family’s life, when intervention makes the most difference, creating long-term linkages to support networks. The doulas are of and from Detroit. Therefore, bridging cultural barriers in order to meet health needs. Our community-based doula program improves infant health, strengthens families, and establishes support to ensure ongoing family success. We proudly use the HealthConnect One Community-based Doula Model.
Interested in receiving doula care? Schedule a phone consultation.
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Join BMBFA’s Community-Based Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, a comprehensive and free home-visiting service designed to empower expectant and breastfeeding mothers on their nursing journey.
Our dedicated counselors offer essential and personalized support, addressing a wide range of needs including latching assistance, weaning guidance, milk storage solutions, and overcoming social barriers and stigmas to seamlessly integrate breastfeeding into your lifestyle.
With our program, you’ll receive direct breastfeeding assistance tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring you feel confident and empowered every step of the way.
Providers
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Childbirth Education and Group Parenting Classes
Community Breastfeeding Education Program
Annual Motown Experience: Birth and Breastfeeding Conference
Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Club® Replication
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Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association’s Childbirth Education and Group Parenting Classes are available to the agencies hosting events and activities such as community baby showers, health fairs, parent meetings, classes, special events, and other family-friendly events. Classes are led by our trained and experienced community-based doulas. We service Detroit and some surrounding communities.
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Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association’s Community Breastfeeding Education Program provides breastfeeding education to expecting and breastfeeding families in community group settings. Throughout Detroit, MI, BMBFA’s Community Breastfeeding Educator provides information on topics such as latching, milk production, milk storage, weaning and returning to work/school. Furthermore, the CBE advises families on ways to incorporate breastfeeding into their lifestyle. Typically, the CBE provides breastfeeding education during group prenatal sessions, community baby showers, health fairs, parent meetings and other family-friendly events. Are you expecting 3 or more pregnant/breastfeeding women at your community event? Let us be of service to you.
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Have you been looking for culturally appropriate breastfeeding literature for black families?
We’ve got you covered.
Check out these tear-off pads, designed specifically with black families in mind.
Thoughtfully designed with relevant imagery and content
Perfect for WIC offices, doctor’s offices, other providers, community-based organizations and/or private individuals that service pregnant and breastfeeding moms
Add this to your World Breastfeeding Week, National Breastfeeding Month, and Black Breastfeeding Week celebrations
Two-sided sheet measures 8½ x 11″ with 50 sheets per pad
Only $10
The BMBFA B’Right Hub community is a social platform for parent clubs and their members.
It is an interactive tool used by parent clubs to enhance their program service and delivery. Designed with “birth rights” in mind, B’Right Hub connects families with parent clubs that are committed to improving birth and maternal health outcomes.
BMBFA Resources
Institute & Training
The Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association Institute advances breastfeeding support knowledge through training programs for health professionals, advocates, and lactation consultants. Our culturally relevant courses empower Black mothers with evidence-based instruction and hands-on training, equipping participants to support breastfeeding families and foster a strong breastfeeding culture in their communities. Join us in promoting a healthier future for mothers and babies.
Publications
Discover resources from the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association to empower breastfeeding mothers and advocates. Our collection includes evidence-based research, articles, and guides addressing the unique challenges of Black breastfeeding mothers. Each resource is curated to provide insights, promote best practices, and foster community engagement. Whether for personal use or outreach, our publications are essential for promoting breastfeeding awareness and support in diverse communities.
