The A Journey to Lactation Consulting blogger addressed the issue of Black Women As Breastfeeding Advocates in Washington State:
“I recently spoke to someone from the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington, when I sent an email inquiring about ways to get involved and help out. One of the things she mentioned when she returned my email is that she didn’t know of any Black IBCLCs in the entire state, and said she hopes this was just an oversight, but I wouldn’t be very surprised if wasn’t. That is such a heartbreaking thing to hear, even though the majority of Washington State is white. But People Of Color are out there, and I just know with more Black women, Black men, and People Of Color as advocates — more racial diversity, it is inevitable that we can encourage more breast milk and breastfeeding, which will give us the advantage we need to help end health disparities.”
An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
Black Breastfeeding Resources
Blacktating: Breastfeeding News and Views from a Mom of Color Black Mothers Breastfeeding: A non-profit org Black Women Do Breastfeed: Stories of Black women who breastfeed Your Guide to Breastfeeding for African American Women (pdf), U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.
So, is it true? Are there no Black lactation consultants in Washington?
Source: Originally published on Examiner.com.