August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to celebrate, uplift, and support every parent’s right to breastfeed, especially in communities facing health disparities. Breastfeeding looks different across race and ethnicity, and not everyone has equal access to the support they need.
This week’s featured article explores how trusted sources like family, friends, and support groups affect breastfeeding rates among U.S. women, and why those sources don’t work the same for everyone. You'll discover how systemic barriers and cultural gaps continue to shape outcomes, especially for mothers of color. Keep reading to learn how you can advocate for better, more inclusive breastfeeding support.
Make it a great week 🙌🏾
Featured Products/Services 🙏🏾
Mindful Moment 😌
Pause, follow the guide below, and observe 2-4 rounds of Box Breathing. Bring your attention to the gentle rise and fall of your chest or belly as you breathe, noticing how each movement anchors you in the present moment.
Mindful Movement 🙆🏾♂️
This week's practice helps ease tension, improve mobility, and leave you feeling more grounded and at ease in your body. Try this routine 2-3 times this week and notice how you feel after each session.
Mindful Reflection ✍🏾
What recent situation triggered a strong emotional reaction in me, and how did I respond?
Share your responses with us on Threads, and be sure to #balanceperiod
Affirmation 🗣️
Say this silently or out loud to yourself:
"I am learning from every emotion and growing stronger with each response."
Upcoming Health/Wellness Events 🗓️
Belmont Beach RnB Yoga and Meditation
Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, this event is perfect for anyone looking to de-stress and find inner peace. Don't miss out on this unique experience to connect with your mind, body, and soul.
- Saturday, August 9th, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM EDT
- Belmont Beach [1300 North White River Parkway Drive West, Indianapolis, IN 46222]
|
|
Brothers Strengthening Brothers
This monthly gathering is intended to be a place where Black men who are either cancer patients or caregivers can connect to discuss experiences, difficulties, and successes.
- Saturday, August 9th, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM EDT
- Cancer Support Community [5150 W. 71st Street, Indianapolis, 46268]
|
How Information Source Influences Breastfeeding Rates for Women of Color 🤱🏾🗣️
Breastfeeding offers huge health benefits to both baby and parent, but not everyone gets the same support or encouragement. A national study published in BMC Public Health reveals important differences in how information sources relate to breastfeeding rates—and that those differences vary by race and ethnicity.
Key Findings from the Study
A team led by Quintero analyzed responses from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) between 2016–2019, highlighting unique patterns for different racial/ethnic groups:
- Return to work or school is a major barrier: Over half of American Indian women—and one in four Black women—reported stopping or never starting breastfeeding because they had to go back to work or school soon after giving birth.
- Information source matters, especially for babies breastfeeding 10 weeks or longer: Receiving support via peer groups or hotlines was linked to longer breastfeeding duration across nearly every group, though the benefits were smaller for Black and Hispanic women compared to White women.
- Family/friend support and support groups help: Sources like trusted family members or support groups increased rates of early and extended breastfeeding for many women, including women of color, though these sources sometimes had less impact among Black women.
What This Means for Communities
Women of color often face systemic barriers that white mothers don’t, including limited access to supportive workplace policies, medical advice, or community encouragement. When information comes from peers and culturally aligned groups, it can help fill gaps, but these sources don’t always reach everyone equally.
The study shows:
- Not all information helps equally.
- Combined barriers like returning to work, lack of parental leave, and lack of culturally relevant support mean many mothers of color stop breastfeeding earlier.
- Strengthening accessible, culturally responsive messaging can boost initiation and duration of breastfeeding among Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic mothers.
How You Can Advocate (for yourself and others)
Here are actionable steps to take today:
- Ask for culturally aligned support: Seek out lactation counselors or peer groups that reflect your background, including language, cultural understanding, and experience.
- Talk to your community: Share helpful breastfeeding resources or experiences with other expecting mothers, especially those returning to school or work early.
- Request support early: During prenatal visits, ask your provider about support groups, hotlines, or counselors you can contact after birth.
- Push for workplace flexibility: If returning to school or work is a barrier, ask your employer for options like pumping breaks, on-site childcare, or remote work flexibility.
- Offer to mentor: If you’ve breastfed before, connect with someone who may need encouragement; it could make all the difference.
Breastfeeding isn’t just a personal choice; it’s shaped by the voices and resources around us. By helping women of color access trusting, culturally relevant information early, we can push back against inequities and support healthier starts for mothers and babies.
Let’s champion inclusive breastfeeding support, together.
Want to learn more? Check out this week's featured article.
Subscribe & Earn 💌
Looking for ways to boost your wellness and get rewarded for it? Subscribe to the Generational Wellness Digest and join our referral program! Share the love—refer a friend and get a free Mindful Merch when they sign up. It’s a win-win for your health and theirs!
Your Opinion Matters! 🙏🏾
We create this content with you in mind! Your feedback helps us make the Generational Wellness Digest even better. Let us know your thoughts on today’s volume so we can continue delivering value and inspiration that supports your wellness journey.
| What did you think of today's volume? |
|
|
|
|