best supplements for lactation

1. Racial Disparities making it Hard for Black Mothers to Breastfeed and Getting Support They Need There has been great emphasis on breastfeeding the babies by well-known organizations like World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control and Prevention. But researchers have seen great discrepancy between races breastfeeding their newborns. Around 83% of the U.S mothers start nursing their babies from the time of birth. But after 6 months only 85% of the white mothers are still going strong with their nursing journey whereas only 69% of the Black women are on course. This is the proof of the racial disparity that African-American women have to face as formula companies target them more, lack of support from the family, hospital staff and colleagues becomes a barrier in overcoming the stigma attached to it. If a black woman is facing a milk production problem, she should be suggested best supplements for lactation, supplements or drinks but she is instead given the formula milk option to quit altogether. Breastfeeding Benefits for the Mother and Baby Breastfeeding has benefits that no other food source or formula milk can compete with. It’s not only good for the baby but for the mothers as well. Breastfeeding mothers who exclusively nurse their babies for the first six months are more likely to get advantages of breastfeeding. We all are well aware of postpartum depression, the best way to combat it is by nursing your little one. The skin-to-skin touch, the cuddling and touching all fills the heart of the mother with warmth and love. Nursing mothers are also less likely to get obese as breastfeeding mothers burn extra 500 calories every day. It also saves the mothers from ovarian, breast and uterine cancers. Breastfeeding is great for the mental health of the mother and if she feels she needs to increase milk supply, she only needs to pop up a few best supplements for lactation and go on with her nursing journey. Breastfeeding also has a number of great benefits for the babies as well. Firstly it’s a complete milk which means that the baby doesn’t need any other food or drink when having breast milk. It has immunity boosters, all the nutrients, minerals and vitamins needed at the right stage of life. Breastfed babies face far less gastrointestinal problems, they have a sharp IQ, great immune system and also saves them from the risk of SIDS and other infant mortality issues. The children who are nursed by their mothers also have less chance of getting obese, allergies and diabetes. The Divide between Black Women and Breastfeeding There is a full history behind the statistics that we can now see in our researches, studies and investigations. The reasons are cultural, political, historical and practical. Breastfeeding demands more commitment, determination and courage than opting

2. for formula milk as it’s more convenient, easy and flexible. Black mothers aren’t offered jobs or careers that allow them to be flexible with their timings causing them to shift back to formula milk after being exhausted to the breaking point. The healthcare staff also doesn’t offer the black women the same kind of assistance and encouragement to nurse their babies like their white counterparts receive. They are suggesting formula milk right from the start, in fact formula milk companies do targeted campaigns for black women to opt for formula milk. Black women face far more challenges and disparities when nursing their little ones and they also get less support and fewer role models to find inspiration from among their friends and families. How to Get the Support You need to Breastfeed First and foremost the government needs to invest in filling the void that black women face at the hand of the healthcare system. Make sure the hospitals provide the initial support, encouragement and guidance needed to stick the mother to nurse her baby. Invest in training the doulas, lactation experts, postpartum care specialists and other healthcare providers to properly aid the mothers and teach them the importance of breastfeeding the babies. A fully systemic approach is needed to deal with this situation in order to get any positive effects over the years. Policies and provision should be extended at work providing black mothers the liberty to pump, nurse or take a good amount of leave after giving the birth so that a good bond is developed between the mother and child and mothers gain full command over nursing the baby. Breastfeeding should be encouraged in the community and must be supported by family, employers, friends, neighbors and relatives. Last but not the least, the mothers should be given the confidence and encouragement to nurse their babies and let them know the positive effects of it on the health of the baby and themselves. Prepare for Breastfeeding Black mothers need to make the initiative and effort in order to turn things around for them and the posterity. They have to make up their mind, put breastfeeding at top priority and invest their time, energy, effort and money in achieving that. Join black breastfeeding communities, join Facebook groups, and find women in friends and family who have experience and can help and support you in times of need. Make sure to talk to your partner, employer and immediate family so that you’re all on the same page before the bundle of joy arrives. Last Words Although the number of black women breastfeeding their little ones is steadily increasing there’s still a long way to go.