Breastfeeding in the Black Community

lthough there is no exact record of origin, it is safe to say that breastfeeding dates back to, well, the first baby.

Women like Rebecca Aughton, 51, have dedicated not only the month of August-National Breastfeeding Awareness Month-but her entire life to helping women be comfortable and knowledgeable about breastfeeding.

Aughton started Bra-Vo Intimates 11 years ago. Based in Royal Oak, the store is not only a place for regular bra shopping, but an atmosphere where pregnant and nursing women can come in and be fitted for nursing bras and pumps, while being educated on the importance of breastfeeding and techniques.

Having been a sales manager of a European bra company for several years, Aughton is no stranger to the importance of a good bra.

“Women in America are really warped into not wearing the right size bra. They think that double D’s are really big, so they squeeze themselves into a C,” she says. “The average size American wears a 36DD.”

Clients can walk in for nursing bra fittings or schedule appointments for breast pump consultation.

“During any of these visits, we teach the ladies how to care for the bras and breast pumps and answer any questions they might have,” she says.

With the most common issue for new moms being the latching on process, Aughton offers this advice to her clients. “The nipple has to be in the back of the mouth, almost near the throat. If done right, this should be a comfortable experience for mom and baby.”

With low success rates in the black community, Aughton wants to especially reach out to these mothers to encourage them to keep trying.

“Breastfeeding is the most emotional thing you can do to provide food for another human being and way too many give up early.”