Black Breastfeeding Week 2020: Revive. Restore. Reclaim!

In the United States, August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the last week of the month is Black Breastfeeding Week (BBW). Black Breastfeeding Week raises awareness of the importance and celebration of breast/chestfeeding for Black parents and babies. This year’s Black Breastfeeding Week’s theme is “Revive. Restore. Reclaim!” If you're wondering why we would need a Black Breastfeeding Week, please read this beautifully written and informative post by Kimberly Seals Allers.

Awareness and focus on breastfeeding for Black families is more critical than ever right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Black communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including the disruption or discontinuation of evidence-based interventions for Black breastfeeding support, including those recommended in the Surgeon General's Call To Action, like peer-led support and community-based interventions. Studies show that breastfeeding is the first preventative medicine as well as the safest and most reliable form of infant feeding during a crisis. 

This week, the Black Breastfeeding Week organization has prepared several free informative online events for families. Find a complete list of events on their website. Events taking place on the BBW Facebook page for the remainder of the week include:

• Wednesday, August 26, 4pm EST: Yoga & Self Reclamation, BBW Facebook page
• Wednesday, August 26, 8pm EST: 102 Days: A NICU Mom's Experience During the Pandemic, BBW Facebook page
• Saturday, August 29, 3pm EST: International Black Baby Lift Up, Register here
• Monday, August 31, 8pm EST: Breast Milk Feeding: The Tale of Two Fathers, BBW Facebook page

Another way to participate is by sharing about Black Breastfeeding week. Visit the BBW Facebook page and share their resources and events. Tag Black Breastfeeding week using hashtags #BBW2019 and #BlackBreastfeedingWeek. 

You can also support BBW through donations of time, money, or supplies. Find organizations in your area -- or national organizations if there isn't a local one near your -- and ask what is needed. National organizations like Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association and Black Mamas Matter Alliance are great places to provide support.