Join us as we share tips and resources to help reduce the risk of
premature birth, and support new parents of premature babies.

Prematurity Awareness Spotlight On...

In an effort to share resources to expectant families, mothers/birthing persons, as well as their extended Village of support during Prematurity Awareness Month, we’d like to highlight some of our partners and Village Fund grantees who are working to help families who are experiencing a premature birth, as well as those who can be part of the plan to take preventative measures to ensure a healthy and joyous birthing experience. 

If your organization is interested in learning more about the Village Fund and applying for the current round of funding, click HERE. 

Mighty Little Giants

Mighty Little Giants (MLG) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates through providing support, education, and hope for Black mothers/birthing persons and fathers experiencing preterm deliveries resulting in long-term stays in hospital NICUs. 

Jessica Wade is the founding President and CEO of Mighty Little Giants. After her own experience with a difficult pregnancy that resulted in the early delivery of her son who had a 143-day stay in the NICU, Wade vowed to help other families who are enduring similar challenges. Wade is also the Manager of Maternal Infant Health Initiatives for the San Diego County, a Certified Lactation Education Specialist (CLES), and a Certified Doula.

MLG’s mission is to stand in the gap with and for Black families with babies in the NICU by embracing MLG’s core values: Integrity, Compassion, and Encouragement. Within its  mission, one of its main goals is to empower the prenatal moms/birthing people that the organization supports (that are on bedrest) with the tools they need to advocate for a joyous birthing experience. For families who have babies in the NICU, MLG strives to provide them with peace, education, compassion, and support in the midst of their storm.

MLG’s programs include:

• NICU Support
• NICU Doula Support
• Essential Self-Care Kits
• Life After the NICU
• Mighty Little Angels (Grief Support Group)
• Mighty Meals and Wheels
  
  

You can follow @mightylittlegiants on Instagram for more content related to Prematurity Awareness Month. Read Mighty Little Giants’ Village Fund grantee profile HERE. 

Parenting For Liberation

AAIMM Village Fund grantee, Parenting for Liberation (P4L), was launched in 2016 as a virtual platform designed to connect, inspire, and uplift Black families. As systemic racism — as well as social and other stressors — plays a role in Black infant and maternal mortality, P4L is an organization that supports Black parents in their efforts to heal from historical and ongoing trauma while interrupting intergenerational violence. It is committed to building resilient and joyful Black families within the community it serves. 

Recently, its Black Mama Magic event provided gifts, music, photos, and community resources to approximately 75 Black mothers. The goal was to provide positive energy, support, healing, and rest for mothers after a difficult year of isolation and loss. P4L also has a podcast and a book authored by Founder & Executive Director, Trina Greene Brown.

Parenting For Liberation’s programs include:

• Healing Justice/Self Care Sessions
• “From Trauma to Triumph” Workshop Series
• “Building Black Parent Power” Advocacy Trainings
• Liberated Parenting Coaching & Circles
• Black Family Gatherings

Read Parenting For Liberation’s full Village Fund grantee profile HERE. 

Black Infant Health

California Black Infant Health (BIH) aims to help women have healthy babies within a culturally supportive environment, while honoring the unique history of Black women. BIH provides culturally-appropriate services that respect each participant’s values and beliefs. The program includes empowerment-focused group support services and client-centered life planning to improve the health and social conditions for Black women and their families.

BIH is funded by Federal Title V MCH Block Grant Funds, Federal Title XIX (Medicaid) Funds and State General Funds. The services are free and are provided by Family Health Advocates, Group Facilitators, Public Health Nurses and Social Workers. The program is open to Black women who are 16 years or older and pregnant, or up to six months postpartum at the time of enrollment regardless of income. 

Program services include:

• 10 prenatal and 10 postpartum group sessions designed to empower and support participants
• Individual client-centered life-planning sessions
• Case management for clients who are unable to attend the traditional group model

For more information on BIH, how to join, or for additional data and reporting, please visit https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DMCAH/BIH/. 

March of Dimes

March of Dimes has been working to improve the health outcomes for all moms/birthing persons and babies for over 80 years. It is committed to guiding moms/birthing persons through every stage of the pregnancy journey to help ensure the best possible outcomes for healthy and joyous births. March of Dimes supports research, leads programs, and provides education and advocacy. It offers a variety of programs via healthcare and community partnerships. 

Programs and areas of focus include:

• Prenatal education, support and care
• NICU initiatives
• Professional education
• Igniting Impact Together
• Research

The March of Dimes 2023 Report Card

On November 16, right before Prematurity Awareness Day (Nov. 17), March of Dimes releases its annual report card. Per its website, “The Report Card offers a comprehensive overview of the health of moms and babies across the U.S. The report grades the U.S. states, Puerto Rico and 100 cities on preterm birth rates, and includes other information such as infant death, social vulnerability, low-risk cesarean births, and state efforts on Medicaid expansion and extension, doula and midwives legislation/policies, among other factors and outlines important policy solutions that can make a difference.” Its 2022 Report Card can be found HERE.

In California, the preterm birth rate among Black women is 43% higher than the rate among other women. According to the 2022 Report Card, the state of California overall earned a “B-” grade (down from its “B” score in 2021) with a 9.2% preterm birth rate, an increase from 8.8% in 2021. Los Angeles County received a “C+” with a 9.4% preterm birth rate. 

However, the infant mortality rate is 3.7 as compared to 5.4 in the U.S. overall. This shows a continued positive downward trend for the state with regard to overall birthing outcomes, as last year the rate was 4.1. Overall, these findings display an increased need for our work to narrow the gap in the disparity ratio and end Black infant mortality within the city and county of Los Angeles. 

The Report Card goes further to address and examine the social determinants of health at the county level using the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). These are measured using 15 social factors, grouped into four areas including: socioeconomic status; household composition and disability; minority status and language; housing type and transportation. It also lists policy measures that can improve infant and maternal health outcomes.

AAIMM "Dear Baby"...

For Prematurity Awareness Month, the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative created a pamphlet to provide practical tips, resources, and guidance for expectant mothers/birthing persons to assist in decreasing the disproportionately high rates of premature births among Black infants. 

This downloadable Prematurity Awareness Tip Guide is broken down into five sections:

• Know the Signs
• Prevention
• Activate Your Village
• Advocacy
• Support

We encourage you to share this resource with expectant families, as well as their extended Village.

DOWNLOAD THE PREMATURITY AWARENESS GUIDE

PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH NOV 1-30TH

As part of our continued effort to promote and celebrate healthy and joyous births for Black families in Los Angeles County, the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative is commemorating the 20th anniversary of Prematurity Awareness Month (Nov. 1-30) by sharing messages of hope, healing, and a call to grow “The Village” as an anchor of support for families in the prevention of premature births and for families with babies born prematurely.  

As premature birth is the second leading cause of infant mortality, and Black women in particular have the highest rate of premature births in the state of California (12.4%, according the 2022 March of Dimes Report Card, which is 57% higher than the best rate), this effort is closely aligned with the mission of AAIMM. If we can prevent premature birth, we can have a significant impact on reducing the rate of Black infant death overall—and that is why our work is so important. 

Throughout the month of November, we hope to create conversations and will share information about:

• Looking for/knowing the signs of a potential premature birth
• Information about prevention/risk
• Help in the event of a premature delivery

We invite you to join us in our efforts by:

• Following us on social media @blackinfantsandfamiliesla and sharing our campaign messages throughout the month
• Use hashtag #PrematurityAwarenessMonth, #WorldPrematurityDay and #AAIMM to share your own stories and those of others
• Download our Prematurity Awareness: Activate Your Village as an Anchor of Support Tip Guide and share it with others 
• Hosting or attending events and conversations around the subject of Premature Birth and prevention during the month of November
• Get involved with our partnering organizations who are doing work to directly help families who are experiencing premature birth and/or stays in the NICU: March of Dimes and Mighty Little Giants

Together, we can help close the gap and help usher in an era of joyous and healthy births for Black infants and families. Thank you for being a part of our village!

NICU AWARENESS MONTH: SEPTEMBER 1 - 31

According to the March of Dimes, during 2017-2019 in the United States, preterm birth rates were highest for Black infants (14.0%) on average compared to babies of other races. In the state of California, the rate of premature births for Black infants is 12% and the preterm birth rate among Black women/birthing persons is 43% higher than the rate among all other women. The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative is working to bring about equitable birthing outcomes for all babies and, therefore, holds this effort to help preemies thrive close to our mission. 

September 1-31 is Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month, a month dedicated to honoring the families of critically ill and prematurely born infants who are experiencing stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the health professionals who care for them. This month, we are highlighting our AAIMM Prevention Initiative partners, March of Dimes, and Village Fund Grantee, Mighty Little Giants, who are both working to help families with prematurely born babies ensure that their little ones have the best chance for a hopeful, healthy future.

March of Dimes’ NICU Family Support® Program provides resources and support to NICU families and hospital staff. Along with printed and digital materials, and parent education curriculum, they also have the My NICU Baby® App available for free to download. The app provides NICU families with answers, tools, and support. 

Read our profile on Mighty Little Giants, join their upcoming events, and follow them on Facebook (@mightylittlegiants) for information and Facebook Live Q & As. 

Thank you for supporting our efforts to ensure that all mothers/birthing persons have a chance at a joyful birthing experience and that all babies are given an equal opportunity to be healthy and thrive. You are the Village that helps make it happen!

DOWNLOAD ESSENTIAL SELF-CARE TOOL-KIT

HAVE A PREMATURITY AWARENESS EVENT TO SHARE?
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT 

Presented by the Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP), The L.A. County AAIMM Initiative and The March of Dimes: Overcoming disparities in African American Infant and Maternal Mortality: Doctors and Doulas and Mamas, Oh My!

Intended Audience: Physicians, Nurses, NPs, CNMs, LMs, PAs, Allied Health Staff and Community Members

At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• • Define the role(s) of the doula during pregnancy, birth, and the post partum period

  • Identify the ways that doctors and doulas can partner to support successful and joyous childbirth

  • Discuss ways that doctors and doulas in-partnership can help decrease African American infant and maternal mortality

For more information see flyer below:

OVERCOMING DISPARITIES IN AFRICAN AMERICAN INFANT AND MATERNAL MORTALITY: DOCTORS AND DOULAS AND MAMAS, OH MY!

Presented by the Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP), The L.A. County AAIMM Initiative and The March of Dimes: Overcoming disparities in African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Preterm Birth

Intended Audience: Physicians, Nurses, NPs, CNMs, LMs, PAs, Allied Health Staff and Community Members

At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Define preterm infant morbidity and mortality in relation to gestational age at birth
• Name the diagnoses and complications that affect preterm births
• Provide information and evidence, and assess candidates for interventions
• Discuss key patient education points to increase understanding and strategies to better support patient experience

For more information see flyer below:

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ASSOCIATION OF BLACK PROVIDERS:

https://www.blackwomenphysicians.org

The Division of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health of the Los Angles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) is seeking a physician leader to direct its Perinatal and Infant Health Unit. The Director will have major responsibility for a constellation of programs aimed at improving outcomes for mothers, infants, young children, and families in all Los Angeles County (LAC) communities, but especially in communities that face unequal access to resources that are critical to good health.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed a law aimed at improving maternal and postpartum care for Black California families who have disproportionately suffered pregnancy-related and infant deaths in recent years. Senate Bill 65, dubbed the “Momnibus Act” and authored by Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, aims to close those racial disparities in maternal and infant deaths. The law would establish a committee to investigate pregnancy-related deaths and severe maternal morbidity and expands data collection and research into the social factors that cause negative birth outcomes. The bill also increases access to postpartum health care, doula services and midwives for families.

31 New Deaths and 1,436 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is strongly encouraging COVID-19 vaccination for all women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future to prevent severe illness, death and adverse pregnancy outcomes from COVID-19. 

While studies have affirmed the vaccines’ safety in all stages of pregnancy and the vaccines do not cause any fertility problems, the CDC reports as of September 18, only 31% of pregnant women are fully vaccinated nationwide. 

Healthcare providers should communicate the risk of COVID-19, the benefits of vaccination, information on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy, and strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.

On behalf of the LA Partnership for Early Childhood Investment, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Health Services, First 5 LA, and the Center for Strategic Partnerships, we are excited to announce the launch of the second round of funding for the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative Village Fund (The Village Fund). 

AAIMM Village Fund grantee, Parenting for Liberation (P4L) is an organization that supports Black parents in their efforts to heal from historical and ongoing trauma while interrupting intergenerational violence. Its broad definition of “parent” enables it to have a larger scope of influence in building resilient and joyful Black families within the community it serves. Launched in 2016 as a virtual platform to connect, inspire, and uplift Black parents as they navigate and negotiate raising Black children within the social and political context of the United States, P4L has grown into an anti-violence movement for Black parents. To date, P4L  has reached more than 20,000 people through audio podcasts and engaged nearly 30,000 individuals through social media, a self-published storybook workbook, blog posts, and opinion pieces, and recently released its inaugural book written by founder and executive director, Trina Greene Brown: Parenting for Liberation: A Guide for Raising Black Children (Feminist Press, 2020).

California has among the lowest death rates nationally among pregnant women and new mothers, but the numbers for Black mothers tell a different story.

They were six times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than white women from 2014 to 2016 and had a higher rate of death than Black women nationally from 2014 to 2017, the most recent time frame for which data is available.

A bill before Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to change that. Nicknamed the “Momnibus” bill, it would collect more details about pregnancy-related deaths, diversify the experts looking at that data and require them to recommend ways to reduce racial gaps. It also would expand access to doulas and midwives, whose presence can drive better care. . .

According to the March of Dimes, during 2017-2019 in the United States, preterm birth rates were highest for Black infants (14.0%) on average compared to babies of other races. In the state of California, the rate of premature births for Black infants is 12% and the preterm birth rate among Black women/birthing persons is 43% higher than the rate among all other women. The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative is working to bring about equitable birthing outcomes for all babies and, therefore, holds this effort to help preemies thrive close to our mission. 

Workshop aimed at destigmatizing Black mental health planned in Pasadena

By Annakai Geshlider

https://www-pasadenastarnews-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.pasadenastarnews.com/2021/08/19/workshop-aimed-at-destigmatizing-black-mental-health-planned-in-pasadena/amp/A workshop planned for Saturday in Pasadena aims to destigmatize mental health in African American/Black communities.

The workshop on Black mental and physical health will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, both in-person and via livestream.

Called “Mental and Physical Health, Wellness and Stigma in the Black Community,” the event is free, and those wanting to attend in person will receive the workshop location after registering online.

Alameda County program counters health industry racism experienced by Black expectant mothers

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett

Krista Hayes, 32, of Oakland was delighted when she found out she and her husband were pregnant with their first child together. But she was also scared.

She’d seen statistics showing that, as a Black woman in America, she was far more likely to die in childbirth, suffer labor complications or have a preterm baby than other women. She feared entrusting the momentous process of having a baby to a medical system that she felt had often treated her, her family members, and other Black people she knew with indifference and contempt.

“There has always been bias. Whether you talk about it or not, you feel it,” said Hayes. “As a Black person you move differently and you’re treated differently.”

California Releases Inaugural Maternal Mortality Surveillance Report

NICU AWARENESS MONTH: SEPTEMBER 1 - 31

According to the March of Dimes, during 2017-2019 in the United States, preterm birth rates were highest for Black infants (14.0%) on average compared to babies of other races. In the state of California, the rate of premature births for Black infants is 12% and the preterm birth rate among Black women/birthing persons is 43% higher than the rate among all other women. The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative is working to bring about equitable birthing outcomes for all babies and, therefore, holds this effort to help preemies thrive close to our mission. 

September 1-31 is Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month, a month dedicated to honoring the families of critically ill and prematurely born infants who are experiencing stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the health professionals who care for them. This month, we are highlighting our AAIMM Prevention Initiative partners, March of Dimes, and Village Fund Grantee, Mighty Little Giants, who are both working to help families with prematurely born babies ensure that their little ones have the best chance for a hopeful, healthy future.

March of Dimes’ NICU Family Support® Program provides resources and support to NICU families and hospital staff. Along with printed and digital materials, and parent education curriculum, they also have the My NICU Baby® App available for free to download. The app provides NICU families with answers, tools, and support. 

Read our profile on Mighty Little Giants, join their upcoming events, and follow them on Facebook (@mightylittlegiants) for information and Facebook Live Q & As. 

Thank you for supporting our efforts to ensure that all mothers/birthing persons have a chance at a joyful birthing experience and that all babies are given an equal opportunity to be healthy and thrive. You are the Village that helps make it happen!

DOWNLOAD ESSENTIAL SELF-CARE TOOL-KIT

What is the significance of Black Breastfeeding Week?

Black Breastfeeding Week was originally designated in 2013 by nationally recognized breastfeeding advocates and Black maternal health trailblazers Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka. Since its inception, the campaign has been held annually from August 25-31 with the intention of raising awareness and empowering breast/chestfeeding persons within the Black community. Black Breastfeeding Week’s purpose is to close the racial disparity gap in breastfeeding rates while encouraging folks in the medical field to provide lactating mothers and birthing persons with the support and resources that they need to begin and stay the course throughout their breast/chestfeeding journey. 

How does Black Breastfeeding Week tie into the objectives of the AAIMM Initiative?

In the United States, we are experiencing a Black maternal and Black infant health crisis. Black moms and babies are 3 to 4 times (and in some areas even 5-6) more likely to die during and after childbirth and during the first year of life than our white counterparts/white babies. The root cause is easy to identify: racism. The solution is not. Ending this disparity involves solutions that are comprehensive, far-reaching, and move beyond the category of a “Black problem” into where it belongs as a United States problem. Anthony Lake, Executive Director of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), once said, “What if governments had a proven, cost-effective way to save babies’ lives, reduce rates of malnutrition, support children’s health, increase educational attainment and grow productivity? They do: It’s called breastfeeding. And it is one of the best investments nations can make in the lives and futures of their youngest members—and in the long-term strength of their societies.” 

Black breast/chestfeeding specifically addresses the high rates of Black infant & maternal mortality. It is a tool available to us that we can (and do) use to offset the negative impact of stress that racism, experienced in this country, has on our bodies and those of our babies. It is resistance. It is beauty. It is raw. It is activism in its truest and purest form.

Facts: Breastfeeding decreases rates of ear infections, asthma, gastrointestinal infections, SIDS, Lower Respiratory infections, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity in babies/children and decreases rates of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, overweight/obesity, and Type 2 diabetes in lactating individuals.

Los Angeles, California (August 24, 2021) —The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative announces the activation of a weeklong campaign geared toward spreading awareness of Black Breastfeeding Week, which was officially recognized by the LA County Board of Supervisors in June 2021. Co-sponsored by the South LA/South Bay Community Action Team (SLASB AAIMM CAT) and the LA County AAIMM Prevention Initiative,“Support/Protect/Welcome Black Breast/Chest Feeding Everywhere” is the theme for the week with supporting sub-themes around breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and pumping. This campaign is also made possible through the support, guidance, information, and resources provided by partners BreastfeedLA, CinnaMoms  and March of Dimes. 

The terms "breastfeeding" and "chestfeeding" are used interchangeably and together to describe the action of feeding an infant human-milk. The term "chestfeeding" is offered as an alternate term for lactating persons that prefer not to use the term "breast" when referring to their own bodies. This is the AAIMM Prevention Initiative’s commitment to caring authentically about the well-being of all individuals and to inclusivity (adapted from BreastfeedLA).

The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative is announcing activation of a weeklong campaign geared toward spreading awareness of Black Breastfeeding Week, which was officially recognized by the LA County Board of Supervisors in June 2021. Co-sponsored by the South LA/South Bay Community Action Team (SLASB AAIMM CAT) and the LA County AAIMM Prevention Initiative,“Support/Protect/Welcome Black Breast/Chest Feeding Everywhere”  is our theme for the week with supporting sub-themes around breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and pumping. 

The terms "breastfeeding" and "chestfeeding" are used interchangeably and together to describe the action of feeding an infant human-milk. The term "chestfeeding" is offered as an alternate term for lactating persons that prefer not to use the term "breast" when referring to their own bodies. This is the AAIMM Prevention Initiative’s commitment to caring authentically about inclusivity and the well-being of all individuals (adapted from BreastfeedLA).

Black Breastfeeding Week was originally designated in 2013 by nationally recognized breastfeeding advocates and Black maternal health trailblazers Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka. Since its inception, the campaign has been held annually from August 25-31 with the intention of raising awareness and empowering breast/chestfeeding persons within the Black community. Black Breastfeeding Week’s purpose is to close the racial disparity gap in breastfeeding rates while encouraging folks in the medical field to provide lactating mothers and birthing persons with the support and resources that they need to begin and stay the course throughout their breast/chestfeeding journey.

AAIMM’s Black Breastfeeding Week campaign will primarily consist of a digital and social media campaign, sharing images of Black breast/chestfeeding persons taken in iconic Los Angeles locations—including Nappily Naturals, Pucker Up, South LA Cafe, and Grocery Outlet—that are well-known within the African American community. These images will serve to normalize the feeding of babies in public places and encourage others to share their own breastfeeding journey using the campaign hashtags. Additionally, grassroots efforts will be made to spread the word about the campaign via events hosted by AAIMM Community Action Teams, a website hub that will host articles about breast/chestfeeding, and will culminate in a Breastfeeding Matters Walk on Saturday, August 28. 

AAIMM’s campaign objectives are to:

• Increase safety around breast/chestfeeding in public spaces
• Reduce barriers to safety—including psychological safety/belonging/inclusion around breast/chestfeeding in Los Angeles (images will represent the South LA area)
• Increase awareness and comfort among Black families in Los Angeles County

We encourage you to participate with us by sharing your own breast/chestfeeding journey and/or campaign images and content created by the AAIMM Communications Team via @blackinfantsandfamiliesla using the campaign hashtags: 

• #BlackBreastfeedingWeek2021
• #BreastChestfeedingEverywhere
• #BlackBreastfeedingMatters

Thank you for supporting our efforts to bring racial equity within the birthing and lactation community in Los Angeles County!

DOWNLOAD THE SOCIAL MEDIA TOOK-KIT!

BLACK BREAST/CHESTFEEDING WEEK
EVENTS & RESOURCES

PRESS RELEASE:

AAIMM ANNOUNCES BLACK BREAST/CHESTFEEDING WEEK CAMPAIGN FOR AUGUST 25-31

Los Angeles, California (August 24, 2021) —The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative announces the activation of a weeklong campaign geared toward spreading awareness of Black Breastfeeding Week, which was officially recognized by the LA County Board of Supervisors in June 2021. Co-sponsored by the South LA/South Bay Community Action Team (SLASB AAIMM CAT) and the LA County AAIMM Prevention Initiative,“Support/Protect/Welcome Black Breast/Chest Feeding Everywhere” is the theme for the week with supporting sub-themes around breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and pumping. This campaign is also made possible through the support, guidance, information, and resources provided by partners BreastfeedLA, CinnaMoms  and March of Dimes.

READ THE ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE HERE!

EVENTS:

August 25th

SGV Black Breastfeeding Week Giveaway - NOON 

To Be Black and Breastfeeding: A Conversation @NOON 

August 26th

Black Breastfeeding Week Panel Discussion

August 27th

National Black Breastfeeding Week "Golden Hour Chat" - 5:00PM

August 28th

2nd BLACK BREASTFEEDING MATTERS WALK - 9:00AM

2^nd Annual Reading In The Park 9:00a-12:00p 

August 29th

AWESOME BREASTFEEDERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT - 4:00PM

August 30th

August 31st

FAQs and QUESTIONS

Lydia O. Boyd is a Lactation Specialist who provides breast/chestfeeding support and education to expectant and current breast/chestfeeding families in Los Angeles County. In addition to supporting new parents during the early post-pregnancy period, she also provides care for the transition back to work or school after maternity leave, when weaning, and in the event of a pregnancy loss. Although she serves all families  regardless of race, the focus of her work is with Black-identifying families belonging to the African diaspora. 

Boyd’s 13 years of research and experience in counseling, coaching, and teaching other Black women throughout the breast/chestfeeding journey has made her especially qualified to speak to racial disparities within the birthing community and provides her with a unique perspective and position to support Black mothers, giving them a space where they feel centered and supported. “We are the mothers in the Black community,” Boyd stated, speaking of Black women. “We understand first-hand what we need.” Her work strives to provide a reconnection to the honor and pride of breast/chestfeeding that has been lost from years of oppression.

AAIMM Announces Black Breast/Chestfeeding Week Campaign for August 25-31

You can learn more about the national Black Breastfeeding Week 2023 campaign and find virtual events HERE. 

SAFE SPACE DIRECTORY

Find a safe space to Breast / Chestfeed in L.A. County. Search our directory by region below:

ANTELOPE VALLEY SOUTH LA & SOUTH BAY

Or Sign up to become a Safe Space here.

We connect, by sharing our stories: 

On breast/chestfeeding at work: 

“I had my daughter in 2017. After being on leave for 3 months, I returned to work. At the time, I was working as a Skills Lab Instructor/Clinical Nursing Instructor at a private college. My first day back, I brought all my pump parts, and I was ready to pump for my baby. I asked my colleague who had been exclusively breastfeeding for 2 years, where she pumped. She casually said... the bathroom. I was shocked, but I was engorged by this time and desperate to get this milk out. I took a can of Lysol, my pump bag, and a chair with me to our unisex bathroom and pumped. I was disgusted. I went to the director of nursing and I told her I needed somewhere else to pump immediately. Both my baby and I deserved better. Fast forward; by the end of the day, I had a key to an empty office that was available to me at any time.  We must use our voices and advocate for ourselves.” — Shamiesha Ebhotemen, RN, CLE (IBCLC candidate), Founder/Owner NURSEMilk, LLC (Nursemilk.com and @thenursemilk)

“Yes I breastfeed in public, I breastfeed on Zoom, or breastfeed at work! All have been pleasant experiences this time around with my third child because I am comfortable in myself and my mission. I AM DIVINE CREATOR that is able to provide Divine substance to my children and future grandchildren. I understand the importance of breastfeeding for my child's health as well as my own and I do it in reverence and honor for my ancestors that had to be wet nurses and not provide their golden milk to their children and their lineage. With my first two children I had them while I was in the military and had to stop breastfeeding them because there was no support or space or respect for me and my children during that time! My babies were robbed of the opportunity of their golden milk and health!” — Jalisa Burton, Project Joy

What are the current laws regarding breast/chestfeeding at work and/or school and accommodations made for lactating individuals?

Senate Bill 143 (SB-142) went into effect on January 1, 2020. In summary, it requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide lactating employees a safe, clean place to express milk (not a restroom). These accommodations must be in close proximity to your workspace, have at least a chair, electrical outlets, table for use, sink with running water, and refrigerator to store milk. If a refrigerator cannot be provided an employer may provide another cooling device suitable for storing milk, such as an employer-provided cooler. In addition to these accommodations, employers must include a lactation policy into their employee handbook. Companies with less than 50 employees can apply for exemption but are strongly encouraged to provide accommodations. Employers are also required to provide unpaid break periods to express milk; preferably coinciding with paid break times. Any business who violates any one of these is subject to a fine $100/day.

On being harassed for public breast/chestfeeding:

“I was breastfeeding my daughter in a restaurant a few years ago and was yelled about not being fully covered. I literally felt like I did something wrong and cried. Then I remembered that people can be ignorant so I made a promise to myself to never feel bad for feeding my babies. This is what my body is made for.” — Sarah Collier

On advice for someone hesitant to breast/chestfeed in public:

“Just do it! Unapologetically breastfeed. It's practically a life or death situation. You are the lifeline for your baby. Other people's looks, stares, non-verbal gestures, and words are not warranted. It's not about making people feel comfortable. Breastfeeding in public is liberating. If you are not going to breastfeed your baby, then who will? You could be that change that could dismantle stereotypes and break the cycle just by you modeling breastfeeding in public. Focus on you and your baby. Be present. Notice your breathing and heart rate. Have pleasant thoughts. Each time you are breastfeeding you are pouring life into your baby.” — Kacie Blackman

“My advice for mothers that are apprehensive to breastfeed in public is: Be YOU. Be Bold and Breastfeed. Do not allow others to take away your joy to breastfeed. Search your area for breastfeeding friendly public spaces.  Invite another mother to join you in a public space where you feel comfortable. If you're still nervous, figure out what it is about breastfeeding that makes you feel uncomfortable. Work from there first.” — Jacinta Elijah

What are the current laws around public breast/chestfeeding? Is it illegal?

Public and private breast/chestfeeding is legal in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. While breast/chestfeeding is legal everywhere, it is our wish to also have it celebrated, supported, and welcomed everywhere. 

READ MORE ABOUT LAWS, FAQs, AND QUESTIONS SURROUNDING BREASTFEEDING

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Men Taking Over Reforming Society (M.E.N.T.O.R.S., Inc.)

M.E.N.T.O.R.S., Inc. is on a mission to provide a space of refuge for the Black community in South Los Angeles. By facilitating support services for Black parents, M.E.N.T.O.R.S. creates social networks that are healthy, safe, and informative havens of growth. Peers and experts  work together to promote better outcomes for both parents and their babies.

One of the many things that sets Luna and Sol Yoga apart from other yoga studios is an emphasis on community which extends beyond the physical practice of yoga, to honor the roots of yogic tradition. Luna and Sol Yoga embodies the meaning of “oran a azu nwa (it takes a village)” by providing vital support to expectant mothers and their families.