Abstract
Background
BMBFC defines outreach as providing community involvement that extends beyond conventional limitations. BMBFC demonstrates outreach through many efforts, including community organizing, grassroots movements, K–12 education, social media, and community collaborations. Community organizing goes beyond providing a service. It is a process used by the people within the community to identify a need or a gap and to work together collaboratively to fill the void. 1 For example, BMBFC has formed committee positions that are filled by community mothers. These committees include: peer support, social media, grants, spokesperson, and events. The pivoting point of the organization is the grass roots movement. BMBFC/BMBFA operates at the grassroots level, working directly within the community of the people served. Education is provided through many methods. In particular, K–12 education is addressed at community baby showers, at community expos/fairs, and within high school fairs. BMBFC/BMBFA are active subscribers to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Additional social networking is done on their webpage, www.BlackMothersBreastfeeding.org, through blogs and chats. BMBFC/BMBFA have joined forces with local hospitals, foundations, social service agencies, community centers, and churches to fulfill their purposes. BMBFC's outreach endeavors have moved beyond conventional support and into a role as active supporters for breastfeeding protection, promotion, and support for African American families.
Active support is an important factor for BMBFC. BMBFC members pride themselves on their role as active supporters of pregnant and breastfeeding African American women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, peer support is most effective when peer mothers share a similar sociocultural status/background. 2 Breastfeeding club meetings are held monthly, and each meeting is facilitated by a different volunteer mother. The facilitator selects the topic of her choice, guides the conversation, and leaves time for an open discussion. Follow-up calls are given to moms nearing delivery and to each new mom participating in the group. All support partners are welcomed, dinner is served, toys are available for toddlers, and arts and crafts are available for school-age children. One-to-one breastfeeding support occurs very casually during dinner. The setting is intentionally informal, so that participants feel relaxed. Throughout the discussion participants are encouraged to offer advice, make comments, and ask questions. The floor is open for anyone to respond. This format allows everyone to contribute openly at her level of comfort. Participants have reported that they feel respected, honored, and valued as they participate in the monthly club meetings.
BMBFA is a trailblazer for community-based breastfeeding support programs. BMBFA intends to guide African American women back to a tradition of breastfeeding that they possessed in America over a hundred years ago. 3 You can form a club in your area, by visiting www.BlackMothersBreastfeeding.org.
Footnotes
Acknowledgments
The author wishes to thank the Board of Directors for the Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association, Doris Jordan and Debbie Clark, for their untiring work. She also thanks the members of the Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Club for making community outreach and active support a reality.
Disclosure Statement
No competing financial interest exists.