LOS ANGELES — When it comes to breastfeeding, it's smooth sailing for working mom Markiesha Mullen and her 8-month-old son, Ocean. But that wasn’t always the case.

What You Need To Know

  • Black Breastfeeding Week was created to highlight the disparities in breastfeeding rates among Black women

  • Only 74% of Black babies are breastfed—the lowest rate in the U.S.—due to economic barriers, employment challenges and lack of support

  • Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies 

  • Breastfeeding is also beneficial for moms, lowering their risk of postpartum depression, breast cancer and type 2 diabetes

"My first child, Shania, breastfeeding her was super painful,” Mullen said. “I didn't understand the importance or no one really was on me to teach me the importance [of breastfeeding].” 

That was 21 years ago, when Mullen said support and resources were limited.

"After a while, I couldn’t really take the pain as a younger woman,” Mullen added. “So I threw in the towel and started the Enfamil.”

Now, more than two decades later, Mullen said she had help when Ocean wouldn’t latch. Support groups such as CinnaMoms, in partnership with WIC, have given her access to lactation specialists, doulas and fellow moms — for free.

"So many things this time helped me tremendously," Mullen said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports only 74% of Black babies are breastfed — the lowest rate in the U.S. — due to economic barriers, employment challenges and lack of support.

Doula Ellen Branch added that there are also historical challenges.

"We don't have a good relationship with breastfeeding as a result of slavery,” Branch said. “At some point in time, we were feeding the people who had us hostage at the moment, their babies — we were nursing their babies. Being in the space now to reclaim that and openly breastfeed, being able to be a part of mommy groups like this and openly breastfeed, breaks the stigma.”

This support also helps babies start their lives in a healthy way.

"Breast milk is the ticket to ensuring that your baby has a well-developed immune system,” Branch said. “The baby's gaining good weight."

Breastfeeding is also beneficial for mothers, lowering their risk of postpartum depression, breast cancer and Type 2 diabetes, according to the CDC.

"It makes me feel really empowered knowing that I'm able to keep going and fight through the pain to know that I’m able to provide the healthiest meal for my baby," Mullen said.

For Mullen, it’s all about keeping Ocean healthy and happy, she said.