Do black women breastfeed?

Question

My boyfriend is black, im white, we are expecting in August, he says black children do not breastfeed. Is this true?

A. im not racist, seeing as that my boyfriend/future husband is black and the child that im carrying is his.
B. Im not a moron either, Im asking a question that is of concern to me. He is concerned not about my breast condition afterwards, but that his family and friends will have negative things to say about my breast feeding her.
Thanks to everyone who has answered.

Answer 1

Many black women *do* breastfeed, but in smaller numbers than among white women (see first URL in sources section below). This is particularly true for *poor* black women and black women who are single parents. However, it is also true that fewer poor and single *white* women nurse than their richer, more married counterparts. While once poverty was the reason that women nursed (couldn't afford the "better" product), today, artificial feeding is proof that you aren't *that* poor--to the detriment of the babies *and* their mothers.

However, there are movements to increase the number of black mothers who nurse. One of these groups is the African-American Breastfeeding Alliance (see second URL below).

Answer 2

It's not true in the sense that NO black children are breast fed. Some obviously are - just look at African nations.

However, given that American blacks are more likely to live in low-income homes, their mothers are less likely to have jobs that allow them to breast feed. They don't get/can't take as much time off from work and don't have jobs that give them breaks every few hours to pump. Black women are also less likely to be stay at home mothers who are able to easily breast feed, again because of the extreme disparity in income levels between blacks and white.

I highly recommend breast-feeding if you're able to do it. It was one of the best experiences I had with my children. There's nothing like the bond. I really do feel sorry for women who cannot breast feed for some reason (economic, health) - I wouldn't trade that time for the world, and I know when I stopped both times with both my girls, I was very very sad.

Congratulations (and think about making a "legal" home for the baby - it's much easier to end a relationship than it is a marriage, but if something does happen it's a guarantee you'll get child support, whereas if it's just the "baby's daddy," you might really have to pull teeth to get support - it's like that in every racial segment of society, so don't think I'm getting a slam in at a black man - I'd tell anyone who's not married and expecting to make sure their child is taken care of).

Answer 3

Why don't black women breastfeed acc'ding to him? Someone better tell the whole continent of African women and babies this fact! Studies have been done about breastfeeding in African populations, its LONG-TERM benefits like delayed fertility to increase child spacing, better for babies nutritionally and immunity wise.

Maybe he's talking about the demographics in the US that show that breastfeeding rates are higher among middle class, college educated women rather than among minorities. That's why there is the African-American Breastfeeding Alliance. Check out this website: http://www.aabaonline.com.

Or maybe he's just clueless. Why do you think he made that comment anyway? Since you're not black, I guess it'd be okay if you breastfed your kid, according to his logic, right? Did you ask him what's up with his comment? Is he scare that he'll miss out on something if you breastfeed? Maybe you need to go a bit deeper to see what's really up.

Breastfeeding is natural, but it's not AUTOMATIC. Your baby and you are gonna be learning how to get it to be like it's automatic the first few weeks. You will definitely need support if your baby's dad is already giving you a hard time about breastfeeding and baby's not even here yet. Get help from La Leche League (http://www.lalecheleague.org) Or the AABA listed above.

by the way, your breasts don't get stretched out by breastfeeding--it's the pregnancy that does that. breasts are FUNCTIONAL (hello, mammaries are what make us mammals), not just ornamental.

Good luck and enjoy your baby!

Answer 4

It's not that they CAN'T, because they most definetely can. If you are a human being, and a female who bears an offspring....you can breastfeed. (some genetic problems may prevent it, but thats another story).

Maybe what you are interested in is knowing compared to white women, do black women breastfeed as much.

Here is a link to a website that shows statistically which races of women are more likely to breastfeed. In the USA, Whites are more likely to breastfeed than Blacks. But the rates that Blacks and Hispanics breastfeed has been on the rise. There is a neat graph showing the numbers visually.

Hope that helps.

BTW...breastfeeding is the BEST thing I have ever done for my kids to start them off in their lives.

Answer 5

YES, black women breastfeed!! Just like any other people, some do and some don't you should do what you feel is right. Besides, the baby is't just black, he's part white too. Not that it matters one way or another. You should try to breastfeed at least six months, if not for a full year or more.
http://www.breastfeeding.com/

Answer 6

Breast is best but unfortunately you will deal with criticism no matter what color you are. But you will deal with it regarding the way you take care of your baby in other regards as well. I encourage you to educate yourself as much as you can now on the topic and you will have a much better chance of succeeding. Here's a few good websites. http//:lalacheleague.com http//:breastfeeding.com http//:kellymom.com Kelly Mom even has a whole section on how do deal with criticism.

Educate your boyfriend on the benefits of breastfeeding too. Formula doesn't even begin to come close to breastmilk! I had my baby last August too and we're still nursing. I'm the first one on both sides of the family to do so. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Arm yourself with knowledge, it will be your best friend in this experience. Might I also suggest joining a breastfeeding group on Yahoo, the one I'm in has been a wonderful support to me. Good luck and congratulations!!!

Answer 7

Bless you heart dear....Everyone breastfeeds!!! Interacial or not..this is the best thing you can do for your child.
Most women in Africa cannot afford formula therefore the are forced to breastfed!!
From the look of things you may want to make sure your boyfriend is properly educated before he handles the baby, it looks like he has a long way to go...please buy the guy a book about babies...goodluck and God bless you dear.

Answer 8

well its not the babys choice its the mothers and most black mothers chooice not to but thats just cause some are on drugs or becuase thay dont think its that good for a baby and i have asked some black women and thats what thay tell me there are very very few black women that do breast feed. but its not cause the baby doesnt want to or anything the baby has nothing to do with it its all the mother and if i were u i would breast feed ur baby its better for the baby and i would know i have 2 very healthy baby boys thay were both brest fed some.

Answer 9

All women breastfeed. It isn't about color or anything, anyone can breastfeed. It sounds to me like he is uncomfortable with breast feeding and/or doesn't approve of it. Honey that's your baby too and those are your breasts do with them as you wish!! Breast feeding is best for the baby because of the nutritional reasons as well as the bonding between mother and child. I wish you lots of luck on dealing with this one, I myself would go ahead and do what I want to do reguardless of what the baby's daddy says.

Answer 10

My mom is black and she's a firm believer in breastfeeding children. I will also breastfeed my children, for sure.