Community event celebrates Black Breastfeeding Week, drawing over 150 attendees

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (DPH) hosted a Black Breastfeeding Week celebration event at San Bernardino Valley College, where breastfeeding and expecting parents were showered with education, resources and gifts.

The Black Infant Health (BIH) program, in partnership with the California Health Collaborative, Global Communities, and the Inland Empire Breastfeeding Coalition, provided attendees with valuable information and resources to support their breastfeeding and parenting journeys.

The BIH program uses a group-based approach with complementary client-centered case management to help women develop life skills, learn strategies for reducing stress and build social support in a culturally affirming environment. This approach empowers Black mothers by helping them access their strengths.

This year’s Black Breastfeeding Week theme was “Listen Up: Reclaiming Our Narrative and Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice.” In addition to raising awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, the event aimed to share stories of breastfeeding challenges and successes, reclaiming the narrative among Black women. According to data from the California Department of Public Health, Black women do not experience the same success as their white counterparts with in-hospital breastfeeding initiation. The event encouraged attendees to participate in a video recording to share their breastfeeding journeys and emphasize that Black women breastfeed their babies.

The event featured an in-depth discussion on the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies, including topics such as latching and breastfeeding positions. This was followed by a presentation on lactation accommodation by Pat Spier, program manager for Regional Perinatal Programs of California. A highlight of the celebration was a panel discussion featuring an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, a Regional Breastfeeding Liaison and representatives from community agencies supporting birthing mothers. The panelists shared their breastfeeding experiences and answered audience questions.

Attendees expressed their appreciation for the event, with one participant noting, “The panel was beneficial. The first-hand experience from experienced moms was very insightful and thoughtful.” Another participant said, “I liked the information, resources, and all of the support and love that was shared.”

After a physical activity break, lunch was provided to all 150 attendees, and many received raffled gift baskets. Community partners, including the Maternal Health Network of San Bernardino, SmileSBC, San Bernardino Fatherhood, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina Healthcare, were present to offer health education and promotional resources.

To learn more about the BIH program, Perinatal Equity Initiative program and other programs and services available through the DPH, please visit dph.sbcounty.gov. We encourage all parents and community members to take advantage of these valuable resources and join us at future events.

Additional County Update News – September 5, 2024