August 3, 2021

When it comes to breastfeeding, racial equity is an issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control, fewer than 60% of Black mothers have ever breastfed compared to 75% of white mothers. Breastfeeding builds immunities, is free and provides excellent nutrition and Black babies are in greater need of its benefits than ever. Why?

Racial inequality results in health inequality. Black babies die at twice –– and in some places, three times –– the rate as white infants. According to the CDC, increased breastfeeding could decrease infant mortality by as much as 50%. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce risks of SIDS, asthma, Type II diabetes, respiratory infections and other illnesses that Black children have in greater numbers than others.

Racial inequality results in access inequality. Black communities may be “first food deserts” –– a term coined by Kimberly Seals Allers, one of the founders of Black Breastfeeding Week –– meaning access to healthy food that supports breastfeeding may be limited.

Racial inequality and breastfeeding bear a cultural legacy –– and lack of diversity. The historic role of Black women as wet nurses in enslavement and beyond, the lack of role models and multi-generational support for breastfeeding and a woeful lack of diversity in lactation education and support has contributed to fewer black women breastfeeding.

Black Breastfeeding week was launched over nine years ago by Kimberly Seals AllersKiddada Green and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka. Black Breastfeeding Week grew out of the need to promote awareness and highlight the special challenges and triumphs of being Black and breastfeeding. To learn more about events and activities this year, visit at Black Breastfeeding Week.




Celebrating Home Visiting in LA

Celebrating Home Visiting in LA

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer May 22, 2025 Opening your home to a stranger can be scary. Especially if you're a new mom.   Just ask Dani. After the birth of her son, she got a call from a parent educator asking if she'd like to participate in a home visiting...

Conversations That Count: Encouraging Bilingualism in Young Learners

Conversations That Count: Encouraging Bilingualism in Young Learners

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer April 22, 2025 The young boy is talking about cognates.   "I know some words in Spanish," Mateo tells the nice lady sitting next to him in the booth. "When we watch these videos, they show the word first in English and then, at the...

FIRST 5 LA BOARD EXPLORES INITIATIVE 3: MATERNAL & CHILD WELL-BEING

FIRST 5 LA BOARD EXPLORES INITIATIVE 3: MATERNAL & CHILD WELL-BEING

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer May 22, 2025 First 5 LA’s Board of Commissioners Meeting was convened on May 8. Highlights of the meeting included a discussion on the proposed First 5 LA budget for the new fiscal year; a presentation on First 5 LA’s Maternal &...

AANHPI Heritage Month 2025: Leadership and Resilience

AANHPI Heritage Month 2025: Leadership and Resilience

Hello! Aloha! Kumusta! Xin chào! May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Originally established as a weeklong observance in 1978 and expanded to a month in 1992, this annual celebration is a valuable opportunity to honor...

Janitorial Services Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

POSTING DATE: APRIL 29, 2025 DUE DATE: MAY 14, 2025 at 5:00 pm Pacific Time (PT) UPDATE(S): May 13, 2025  The section QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS was updated to reflect that no questions were received, accordingly, no Questions and Answers document will be posted.  ELIGIBLE...

Women’s History Month: Alma Cortes, Ed.D.

Women’s History Month: Alma Cortes, Ed.D.

April 8, 2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

Help Me Grow LA: Connecting the Dots to Healthy Child Development

Help Me Grow LA: Connecting the Dots to Healthy Child Development

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer March 27, 2025 Shakur was 2 when he started crossing his fingers. It happened a lot. His mom, Brooklynn, noticed that the behavior happened every time they visited the local park. That's when she did some sleuthing online and...

Translate