Racial Inequity

We know that breastfeeding is the best option for feeding your baby, across all ages and races, but, do you think race affects breastfeeding rates?

Studies have shown that race may, in fact, play a part in a mother’s decision or ability to breastfeed and for the length of time she decides to do so.

Why is this happening?

Many ­­­­­Indigenous Peoples in Canada live in areas that are underfunded and underserved which makes access to resources and adequate healthcare difficult. This is a result of the colonization efforts that were intentional efforts to remove Indigenous Peoples from their lands, separate their families and eliminate their culture.

Canada is also home to many newcomers and immigrants that aren’t always aware of resources that are available such as prenatal and postpartum care and how to access information in their native language. In part, this is because of institutional racism that results in people being treated differently based on characteristics such as accent, manner of speech, name, clothing, diet, beliefs and practices, or place of origin. Racism is embedded in systems and institutions and can result in people not being provided the services they need for their health and wellbeing.

When people are denied an opportunity because of their race, they experience racial inequities.

Cropped shot of a group of unrecognizable businesspeople standing in the office with their hands in a huddle