How to Find a Black Lactation Consultant

August 25-31 is Black Breastfeeding Week. This year's theme, "10 Years, A New Foundation," celebrates a "foundation of lactation support [that] is built on racial equity, cultural empowerment, and community engagement, and is powered by our collective resilience," according to the founding and sponsoring organization, Black Breastfeeding Week (BBW). 

The racial bodyfeeding / breastfeeding gap for Black parents continues to be significant. One of the most helpful ways Black families can achieve successful bodyfeeding is through support from family and friends, as well as support from Black lactation professionals. A 2020 study found that when Black families see Black health professionals, there is a significant improvement in health outcomes for Black babies. Lactation professionals provide critical assistance in the early days, weeks, and months (and beyond) of breastfeeding. When searching for a lactation professional, looking for credentials like CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) or IBCLC (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners).

How to Find a Black Lactation Professional Near You

• Search the directory at the National Association of Professional and Peer Lactation Supporters of Color
• Google search "Black breastfeeding" or "Black lactation consultant" + the name of your city or county (or the nearest large city)
• Contact a local Black perinatal, breastfeeding, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, midwifery, or doula organization or advocacy group for a referral; or, contact a local bodyfeeding / breastfeeding organization for specific referrals
• Ask your midwife, OB, childbirth educator, doula, family, friends, coworkers, etc. for a recommendation
• If you are unable to locate a Black bodyfeeding professional in your area to visit you in person, find a Black professional who performs virtual breastfeeding telehealth visits

For more Black breastfeeding / bodyfeeding resources and organizations, visit RootMama, the Black Breastfeeding Week Facebook page, and HealthConnect One. 

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