by Derek Reveron
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- More African American mothers breastfeed their babies, giving them nutrients that improve health and fight diseases.
- 65% percent of African American women now breastfeed their babies, up from 36% in 1994, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ClarksvilleOnline.com 9.5.08). However, only 20% of black mothers follow the government’s recommendation to feed infants only breast milk during their first six months of life.
- Even educated black women are less likely to breastfeed than their white counterparts (WomensENews.org 7.24.08).
- To encourage black woman to breastfeed, the federal Office of Women’s Health makes “An Easy Guide to Breastfeeding for African American Women” available online.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- Programs and educational materials that inform black moms about the benefits of healthy practices like breastfeeding are resonating with their target audience.
- Programs that encourage African Americans to adopt healthy practices work best if they create peer and cultural support.
RESOURCES
- An Easy Guide to Breastfeeding for African American Women is available for download at WomensHealth.gov
