During a recent meeting of the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners, a significant focus was placed on the proclamations for National Breastfeeding Month and National Black Breastfeeding Week, presented by Bianca Hamilton, co-executive director of the Sawegha Birth Workers Collective. Hamilton emphasized the unique challenges faced by Black birthing families regarding breastfeeding, highlighting disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates within the community.

National Breastfeeding Month, established in 1992, aims to promote the benefits of breastfeeding, with specific weeks dedicated to various cultural groups, including Indigenous and Asian American communities. The fourth week of August is designated as Black Breastfeeding Week, which aims to address the historical and systemic barriers that contribute to lower breastfeeding rates among Black families.

Hamilton noted that while approximately 70-80% of Black mothers initiate breastfeeding, this number drops significantly to 30-40% by three months. She attributed this decline to various factors, including socioeconomic challenges, lack of access to diverse lactation support, and early return to work without adequate labor laws supporting breastfeeding.

The board acknowledged the importance of breastfeeding in reducing health risks such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity, and recognized the need for community-wide efforts to improve breastfeeding outcomes. The proclamations underscored the role of breastfeeding in enhancing family health and reducing infant mortality rates, which in Dougherty County stands at 12 per 1,000 live births—more than double the national average.

In addition to the proclamations, Hamilton announced a series of community events planned for Black Breastfeeding Week, inviting local residents to participate in advocacy and awareness initiatives. The board also supported a fundraising effort with Sonny's Barbecue, where a portion of proceeds will benefit the Sawegha Birth Workers Collective.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement in promoting breastfeeding as a vital public health issue, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the disparities faced by Black families in Dougherty County.