Reps. Adams, Watson Coleman Introduce Black Breastfeeding Week Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the Black Breastfeeding Week Resolution to recognize the week of August 25, 2026, to August 31, 2026, as "Black Breastfeeding Week."

According to the CDC, about 80% of Black mothers breastfeed their infants compared to 88% of white mothers, even though breastfeeding is linked to lower risk of short and long-term illness, stronger immune function, and better early childhood development in infants. Black Breastfeeding Week is a time to recognize the disparities Black women face in their ability to meet breastfeeding guidelines, including unequal access to lactation support, workplace accommodations, and quality healthcare.

"The science is clear: breastfeeding improves infant health outcomes, but Black women in America face a breastfeeding disparity," said Congresswoman Adams, Co-founder and Co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. "Maternal leave, accessible healthcare, food security, and racial equity in healthcare are all essential supports that Black women need to breastfeed their children - supports that are often not available. That is why breastfeeding is a Black maternal health issue, and it's one we must address to prevent more of our mothers and children from needlessly losing their lives."

"Soaring prices are making it harder than ever to feed a family. Breastfeeding is healthier and less costly than formula, yet Black mothers are told to feed their babies formula at far higher rates than other women," said Congresswoman Watson Coleman, Co-chair of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls. "For generations, racial bias and medical neglect have led to disproportionately worse maternal outcomes for Black women. Breastfeeding support is a major health equity issue and a real hunger issue. All women deserve access to reliable medical advice and competent care to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies."

The Office of Minority Health found that, in 2024, the rate of infant mortality for Black babies was double the mortality rate of infants nationwide and Black infants were two and a half times as likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome. Meanwhile, the NIH found that breastfeeding reduced the rate of sudden infant death syndrome in 2009, and the CDC recommends breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for most infants.

"Breastfeeding is a Black maternal health issue and an infant health issue, one we must address to prevent more of our mothers and children from needlessly losing their lives to this crisis," continued Congresswoman Adams.