What Are They F
A number of our MCH students attended the 2021 CityMatCH conference, online in December. What follows is a post from one of the attendees.
By Momi Binaifer Sagoe, BS
The City Match conference was very insightful, from the opening message on data visualization for health equity to the diverse health equity topics presented at the conference.
Though several topics sparked my curiosity, presentations on breastfeeding and reclaiming Black breastfeeding sparked a lot of questions for further research and understanding. Breastfeeding has several significant benefits for the child and the mother. Breastfeeding for the baby contains nutrients for cognitive development and antibodies from the mother. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer for mothers and other evidence-based benefits.
These presentations during the conference made me understand the racial and ethnic differences in breastfeeding in the United States among different races. The presenters showed data trends on Black American and Hispanic infants being breastfed for a shorter period than White American infants. These disparities exist because Black American and Hispanic mothers tend to be younger, unmarried, and have lower income and education compared to White American mothers. To address these disparities, more culturally tailored education needs to be done among Black and Brown communities, more representation of Black and Brown lactation educators and consultants, and supportive policies on breastfeeding-friendly hospitals.
There are several reasons why mothers stop breastfeeding or choose not to breastfeed, such as issues with lactation and latching. Other reasons such as unsupportive work policies, lack of education on lactation, and lack of parental leave are reasons that can be changed through policies and tailored educational support to Black American and Hispanic communities.
Race should not be a predictor of one’s infant health outcomes.
Momi Binaifer Sagoe, BS, is a first-year MPH student concentrating in Maternal and Child Health. She plans to graduate in May 2022 and continue to pursue her P.A. degree after graduation. She plans to use both her MPH and PA degree. Her interests include primary health prevention and promotion, Chronic diseases, Global maternal and child health, health systems and policies, and Health Equity. She enjoys cooking, reading autobiography books, watching documentaries, and nature walks.
Image from https://maryameliacenter.wordpress.com/mac-pics/
