Breastfeeding, First Food Deserts & Public Health: Why It Matters for Black Families

When we talk about breastfeeding, we’re not just talking about nutrition—we’re talking about health equity, survival, and reclaiming traditions that have sustained Black families for generations. For Black mothers and babies, breastfeeding is more than a personal choice; it’s a public health issue, especially in the face of first food deserts and systemic barriers that make it harder for us to nourish our little ones.

What’s a First Food Desert?

A first food desert is a community where families don’t have easy access to nutritious foods, lactation support, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, or even culturally competent healthcare providers who encourage and support nursing. Instead, formula becomes the default, not by choice, but by circumstance. And in communities where hospitals push formula, childcare centers aren’t trained in breastmilk storage, and workplace policies make pumping nearly impossible, Black mothers often get the message—loud and clear—that breastfeeding isn’t an option.

Why Breastfeeding is a Public Health Issue

The stats don’t lie—Black babies are twice as likely to die before their first birthday compared to white babies. But breastfeeding can cut the risk of SIDS in half and protect against asthma, obesity, and infections. For Black mothers, breastfeeding reduces the chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer—diseases that disproportionately impact us.

So why aren’t we seeing higher breastfeeding rates? Because the systems in place don’t make it easy for us. Between hospital practices, lack of paid leave, and limited community support, Black mothers face obstacles at every turn.

Reclaiming Our Right to Nourish

Supporting Black breastfeeding means addressing the root causes of these disparities.

We need:

• More Black lactation consultants and birth workers in our communities.

• Policies that protect breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and pumping breaks.

• Better hospital practices that promote skin-to-skin and exclusive breastfeeding from birth.

• Community spaces that normalize and celebrate breastfeeding Black mothers.

• NICU's that don't push formula on us as the only choice or better choice, Black families are 9x more likely to be told to use formula for non medical reasons

At the end of the day, breastfeeding isn’t just about feeding a baby—it’s about health, survival, and liberation. Every time a Black mother nurses her baby, pumps at work, or advocates for better lactation support, she’s not just feeding her child—she’s reclaiming power.

Want to support Black breastfeeding in your community? Find a local Black lactation professional, advocate for workplace rights, and spread the word—because our milk is powerful. 💛✨ #OurMilkOurPower #BlackBreastfeedingMatters