Ever heard of a generational curse? A generational curse is believed to be passed down from one generation to another. Many people live their entire lives under curses put on them from previous generations, directly or indirectly.
Did you know that less than 200 years ago, Black Mothers were forced to breastfeed babies other than their own? They were forced to “wet nurse” their slave owners children. Their offspring suffered and died because they were taken. Black mothers were forced to feed and care for a child they didn’t carry, a child they didn’t birth.
Because of this, once freed, black women began to stop nursing their own children. They were independent and able to afford formula. Formula became the norm and breastfeeding was a chain they were freed of. They could no longer be forced.
However, this ”freedom” became a curse black women are still seeing the effects of today.
Black mothers, even if they aren’t sure of the exact reason are more likely to formula feed than breastfeed because they do not see the importance, do not have the support they need, nor do they have the advantage of witnessing generations before them breastfeed.
Today, black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to die during or after childbirth. “The CDC now estimates that 700 to 900 new and expectant mothers die in the U.S. each year, and an additional 500,000 women experience life-threatening postpartum complications. More than half of these deaths and near deaths are from preventable causes, and a disproportionate number of the women suffering are black.” (Amy Roeder)
Excessive blood loss from postpartum bleeding is one way black mothers are dying. This is preventable. This is a curse that can be broken
Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin , when released, causes uterine contractions. These contractions act to return the uterus to its regular size faster and can greatly reduce the amount of postpartum bleeding a woman experiences, thus decreasing the chance of death due to blood loss.
Aside from this, black babies are dying. They are being born too small, too sick, or too soon due to pregnancy complications. According to the CDC, increased breastfeeding among black women could decrease infant mortality rates by as much as 50%.
It literally is an issue of life and death…for both.
The lack of education and support, even from some care providers and some labor and delivery units, and we create another issue.
Breastfeeding promotes bonding, it encourages women to fall in love more deeply with their baby. It reduces breast and ovarian cancer rates, may aid in the prevention of type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It also allows baby’s immune system to develop quicker and reduces his/her risk of many diseases and viruses.
Black women are being denied these benefits because we aren’t stepping in and supporting them; educating them.
It is time we break this curse and support our black mothers. Weeks like #blackbreastfeedingweek are important because it educates us all; red, yellow, black, brown, and white. It gives us the resources we need, gives black mothers the education they need, and gives black babies the chance at life they deserve. It empowers black women to take back their babies. It breaks a curse!
Rachel Price, B.C.
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Bananas and Breastmilk 