Healthy Baby Network Kicks Off Black Breastfeeding Week
With A Graduation & Celebration

Theme - Listen Up: Reclaiming Our Narrative & Centering Our Stories for
Breastfeeding Justice

ROCHESTER, NY [August 21, 2024] – Black Breastfeeding Week is August 25 – 31 and
highlights the unique experiences of Black mothers. This year’s theme, “Listen Up: Reclaiming Our Narrative & Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice” urges healthcare providers, policymakers, and members of the community to truly hear and address the needs of Black mothers. Healthy Baby Network, an impactful 28-year-old non-profit dedicated to assisting pregnant women and families, will create a welcoming atmosphere filled with music, games, raffles, food, and fun as they celebrate the week and highlight five graduates of HBN’s Breast
and Chest feeding Peer Counselor Training program on Sunday, August 25 at Genesee Valley Park’s Riverbend Shelter from 12pm – 4pm.

“Breast / Chest feeding when possible, is the absolute best way to feed a baby. Black women and birthing people stand to gain a variety of health benefits through breast or chest feeding,” noted Sherita D. Bullock, Executive Director of Healthy Baby Network. “Studies suggest that women who opt to breast or chest feed their babies have increased bonding opportunities with their babies, share their immune systems with babies, can reduce their risk of postpartum depression, aggressive forms of breast cancer, postpartum hemorrhage, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and ovarian and uterine cancers. We know the benefits can be monumental for babies,
mothers and birthing people. Today we celebrate, reclaim and center on those stories.”

“This is a time to celebrate Black Breastfeeding mothers and highlight the gaping disparities that exist in the breast and chest feeding rates of white women versus Black women,” said Jacqueline Lindsey, HBN Program Development Director. “Black women and birthing people face unique challenges with breast and chest feeding including a painful history around breastfeeding which in turn led to a decrease in the number of Black breast and chest feeding moms and family/community support, as well as a lack of professional diversity in the lactation field. By raising awareness of the disparities that Black women face with breast and chest feeding, as well
as continuing to provide education venues to increase the professional diversity in the lactation field, we can help to decrease the rates of Black infant mortality, reduce the high rates of diet-related diseases that are prevalent in Black communities, and start to build critically needed circles of support for Black women in our community who may not have support elsewhere.”
 

Hear why this week is important and the impact of breast and chest feeding from members of Healthy Baby Network. https://www.healthy-baby.net/blackbreasftfeeding.

Resources on hand will include information on Healthy Baby Network’s Motherhood, Fatherhood, Reentry, Doula, and Breast & Chest feeding Peer Counselor programs. Applications open soon for the next Peer Counselor Training Program in October.

Reporters are encouraged to cover the event:

What: Annual HBN Black Breastfeeding Week Celebration
When: Sunday, August 25, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Genesee Valley Park – Riverbend Shelter (Near Elmwood Entrance)
Who:
- Sherita Bullock, Executive Director, Healthy Baby Network
- Jacqueline Lindsey, Program Development Director, Healthy Baby Network
 

Nutritional Benefits

 

Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients that are easily digestible for
infants. It provides essential vitamins, proteins, and fats that are crucial for a baby’s development.

- Immune System Support: Breast milk is rich in antibodies that help protect infants from infections and
illnesses. It can reduce the risk of ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal infections.
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Conditions: Breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing chronic
conditions such as asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Cognitive Development: Studies have shown that breastfeeding is associated with improved cognitive
development and higher performance in intelligence tests.
- Growth and Development: Breastfeeding supports healthy physical growth and can reduce the risk of
stunting and other growth-related issues.
- Long-term Health Benefits: The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond infancy. It can have long-term
positive effects on a child’s health, including a lower risk of certain cancers and chronic diseases.

About Healthy Baby Network

Healthy Baby Network in Rochester helps to ensure that every parent in our community has the information and support needed to bring a healthy baby into a nurturing home. The organization provides pregnancy-related education, support, and partnership that vulnerable parents in the community need to pursue and achieve optimal health for themselves and their babies. For more information visit www.healthy-baby.net