African American Breastfeeding Network, Inc.
2016 Report to WALC
Background: In September 2015 AABN received a $1,000 grant from WALC. Initially
WALC asked AABN to use the funding for food; because food was already covered by
two other grants we received (United Way and the Wisconsin Partnership Program-
Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families) we got permission to use the funding to cover
costs to provide transportation to families wishing to attend our monthly Community
Breastfeeding Gatherings (CBGs) held at the Northside YMCA.
AABN has created the only breastfeeding support model that is culturally specific and
community-centered. The majority of participants are African Americans whose
financial resources are below the federal poverty limit. Unfortunately, for many
transportation is a luxury that is unattainable. AABN recognized this gap and has
offered transportation since 2010; however with recent funding cuts we were unable to
offer this important service.
Funding: AABN contracted services with IServe Transportation Company. Costs for
transportation for 12 months for one CBG site–we have two sites—is $3,600. It cost
$300 per event to transport 14 people. With WALC funding we were able to secure
transportation for 3 months (October, November and December). We added the
additional $100 to help offset transportation costs, and through donations were able to
secure an additional $1,800 to cover the remaining 6 months (January 2016 –June 2016).
Outcomes: During the 3 months in which we used WALC funding we had a total of 42
families use transportation services, which helped to double our attendance. By June
2016 we estimate 120 pregnant mothers will attend the CBGs. Our data indicates that
when women use our services initiation rates are 90% and exclusivity rates at 3 months
is 60%, higher than Wisconsin and the Country rates! Our data show also that pregnant
mothers attend at least 2 CBGs and attend one time during early postpartum, which
allows them one-on-one consultation with an IBCLC. Thus a great majority of the
pregnant moms attended multiple CBG to help build their breastfeeding confidence.
They are encouraged to bring a support person to the CBG. Families together build
natural supports (family, friends, peers) and leverage their support network. Mother
define breastfeeding success for themselves and AABN Peer counselors and Father Peer
Advocate help mothers achieve breastfeeding confidence and eventually reach her
breastfeeding goal.
Dalvery Blackwell, Co-Founder, Executive Director
