According to a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2011 to 2015, 81 percent of white women initiate breastfeeding after giving birth compared to only 64.3 percent of African American mothers.
To combat this disparity in breastfeeding initiation, SHEA laughed a year-long Breastfeeding Docuseries highlighting Black mothers in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties. By providing them with a platform to openly share their breastfeeding journeys, we hope to create a community around real narratives and respectful imagery.
That’s where Tia Magee and Ariel Watson come in.
Tia lives in Jackson County and works as an Ophthalmic Technician. She’s a first-time breastfeeding mom to a 1-year-old named Embree. Ariel lives in Harrison County and works as an outpatient drug abuse therapist who specializes in opioid addiction. She has two daughters named Phoenix (4) and Salem (8 months).
We look forward to sharing their breastfeeding journeys with you over the next year. Check out their latest videos below.
Mother’s Day Rewind (June 2021)
As we celebrate Nation Black Family Month, we decided to take a look back at Mother’s Day to celebrate the connection between mothers and their children (no matter their age).
Meet Our Moms (April 2021)
In this first set of videos, Tia and Ariel introduce us to their babies and share the successes and challenges they’ve faced on their breastfeeding journeys.