Black mothers in the United States are less likely to breast-feed their babies than other moms

Fifty-four percent of black mothers try breast-feeding, while the national average is 73%. A lack of interest in breast-feeding was the most commonly reported barrier to nursing among black women — 55% of black women compared to 27% of women in other ethnic groups felt this way. Many black women are also unaware that breast-feeding is linked with benefits for both mothers and infants. Breast milk provides babies with disease-fighting antibodies, while moms who breast-feed are at lower risk for breast cancer later on. The practice also fosters mother-child bonding.