Welcome to the Black Breastfeeding Coalition of Ohio

Our Mission: REBIRTHING, RECLAIMING, REVIVING OUR COMMUNITY!

For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11.

Milk Talk Tuesday is coming up!

DaysDays

HrsHours

MinsMinutes

SecsSeconds

Why was BBCO started and what’s our purpose?

The awareness of breastfeeding disparities among black mothers and also the alarmingly high rate of infant mortality in Ohio among black babies. Along with working with many black prenatal and breastfeeding mothers and hearing their needs and concerns including the need for continuous breastfeeding encouragement, support, and education and most importantly the need for advocacy and empowerment in settings where they face adversity inspired the establishment of BBCO. (Please read more in our about section). Our target population is black mothers and babies, yet BBCO does not discriminate and will assist any mother and baby in need.

According to the the latest reports from the Ohio Department of Health from 2010-2019, black infants die at a rate almost 3 times as that of white infants. Reports also show that preterm births is one of the largest risks to infant mortality. Two thirds of infants who died in 2019 were born preterm with black infants being more likely to be born at less than 24 weeks gestation (43% vs. 28% respectively) Furthermore as of 2020, exclusively breastfeeding rates at discharge from hospitals was 36.8% compared to whites at 56.7 % and hispanics at 45.9%. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of SIDS, one of the leading causes of infant mortality. Breastfeeding is crucially important to the health of mothers and children.

Our goal is to significantly increase the population of babies who will live to see their first birthday and beyond as well as increase breastfeeding rates in our target population in the state of Ohio by increasing breastfeeding awareness and offering a variety of services to address challenges, barriers, and obstacles that will decrease the likelihood of these unfortunate outcomes. While also ensuring that our mothers and families are encouraged, educated, well cared for, supported, and empowered.

Would you like to donate to BBCO?

Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals. Your generous donation will fund our mission. We thank you in advance.

Contact us!

Black Breastfeeding Coalition of Ohio

Contact persons: Melissa or Celina Contact number: 937-660-9096 Email: bbcohio2018@gmail.com

Special thanks to the Ohio Lactation Consultant Association for their generous donation and contribution that will allow us to provide breastfeeding education.