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!

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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).

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

"Boots on the Ground! Rooted in Breastfeeding Success, Grounded in Community Support"

This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of community support and celebrating the successes of breastfeeding within the Black community. 

You can learn more about the national Black Breast/Chestfeeding Week 2025 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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https://youtube.com/shorts/nIN1erf7Pmo?si=TsPh3mFOJo4BgU-L

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.

THE BIG PAUSE: The Collective Rest for Collective Power

Calling all Black/African American Breast/Chest Feeding Families:

Click to access the Survey Form

"The only way that these issues will stay in the public domain, the only way we'll advance equality and justice and liberation, is if philanthropy keeps the window open." - Kaci Patterson  (AAIMM Steering Committee Member)

The statistics are alarming: 45% of children in California live in low-income households. Of that group of children, 57% are Black and 61% are Latino. Youth from low-income neighborhoods are 20% more likely to end up in prison and 61% of the incarcerated population are Black or Latino. Youth With a Purpose (YWAP) has made it its mission to weaken the school to prison pipeline and improve outcomes for low-income youth. And their plan starts at the very beginning: before birth.

(Los Angeles County, CA) “It takes a village to raise a child,” the African proverb states, and activation of that village begins before birth. In an effort to support healthy and joyous births for Black moms, families, and babies, the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) has created a Tips to Activate Your Village Guide full of useful information and resources for each of the trimesters comprising the prenatal period and the first three months after the baby is born (the “fourth trimester”). The guide is now available for free to download from its website, blackinfantsandfamilies.org. 

San Fernando & Santa Clarita Valleys COVID-19 Panel: A Vaccine Conversation For African American Families
Held Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 from 10am-12pm

During this event we discussed concerns and explored options related to the COVID-19 vaccine with a panel of local medical and legal experts. It was an opportunity for our community to ask questions in a safe space. Panelists included:

•         Valley Presbyterian Hospital

•         General Counsel, Tamala Choma Esq.

•         Director of Women’s Services, Marcia Lynch, RN, MSN

•         Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – Tina Franco, MPH, Health Educator

•         September Williams, MD, Physician-Writer & Bioethicist

•         Kaiser Permanente – Sharon K. Okonkwo-Holmes, MD. Family Physician and Physician Lead for the Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Council

Panel discussion was moderated by Aqueelah Russell from Northeast Valley WIC

View the event recap below: