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Interestingly, breast milk contains unique hormones that affect a baby’s appetite, sense of fullness, and help stabilize baby’s blood sugar levels, thus minimizing the likelihood of developing diabetes. According to , approximately 2.3 million African Americans have diabetes. This astonishing statistic further reinforces the grave importance of breastfeeding our children, specifically African American children who are at greater risk for chronic illness and mortality.
When it comes to asthma, breast milk continues to work its wonderful magic. explains that asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders in childhood. The strongest links in research for breastfeeding’s impact on asthma were seen with wheezing and persistent phlegm, as children were more likely to develop these symptoms if they had never been breastfed. How about that?
I am happy to report that my children, ages 2 and 7 have experienced very few colds, zero ear infections with no asthma history and are overall happy and healthy children. I am proud of my efforts in maintaining their optimal health and am fortunate to have an incredible support system found with my husband and extended family. It is my sincere hope that my African American community soon embraces the concept of breastfeeding and its many benefits to mom and baby. This can be accomplished by increased awareness, education and support within the community.
As a Board member of (BMBFA), I’d like to share that we are a growing force in the community to aid breastfeeding families. BMBFA, based in Detroit, MI aims to eradicate the racial disparity in breastfeeding rates among African American women. We offer one-on-one and group breastfeeding support, information and education. BMBFA’s Breastfeeding Club meets regularly, for more information please visit . In the meantime be safe, be happy and breastfeed!
Originally posted at in February 2013.
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