June 14, 2020
Breastfeeding Hawaiʻi Board of Directors condemns the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, as well as the centuries long tolerance for murder of Black people by our Country’s public and private individuals. We are still awaiting charges to be brought against the officers involved in the horrific death of Breonna Taylor, a 26 year old, decorated EMT. Tragically her dreams to become a Registered Nurse and have a family were prematurely extinguished.
Breastfeeding Hawaiʻi joins in the raising of our voices against the historical systems of oppression and dehumanizing of especially Black women in our society. We acknowledge that starting with pregnancy, birth care and infant feeding, and continuing throughout the lifespan of Black women, racism affects every aspect of her and her family’s life in terms of health care, housing, criminal justice, education, and employment.
Breastfeeding Hawaiʻi stands in support of Black breastfeeding mothers and acknowledges their deep love and willingness to provide the best care for their families despite inadequate systems of support. Breastfeeding Hawaiʻi advocates for community Black lactation consultants and other Black lactation professionals, honoring the work they do to support Black families.
Breastfeeding Hawaiʻi stands as an advocate for community changes in order to provide a just start in the life of Black mothers, their infants and families. We are committed to listening, learning and acting to support our Black families, Black colleagues and the entire Black community. Black Lives Matter.
We want to hear from you. Please share your suggestions for changes and voice your needs with us at info@bfhawaii.org.
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Breastfeeding Resources
Michigan Breastfeeding Network: Fundamentals of Breastfeeding Promotion, Protection and Support Across Disciplines
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