Lactation Consultants of Color

QC Cocoa B.E.A.N.S.  is a group based out of Charlotte, NC comprised of lactation consultants, doulas, dietitians, educators, social workers and peer counselors.
QC Cocoa B.E.A.N.S.’ goal is to educate and empower women to embrace breastfeeding as a cultural and social norm. The word ‘Ubuntu‘ originates from one of the Bantu dialects of Africa, and is a philosophy that considers the success of the group above that of the individual. In the United States, African American mothers have lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration when compared to other races and ethnicities. Because of this disparity, we are focusing our support on African American women, babies and their families. African Americans are also among those with the highest rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer, all of which can be decreased with increased breastfeeding. Countless scientific studies have shown that breastfeeding is the ideal start to a healthy life and provides a wide array of health benefits to both mother and child for their lifetimes. This makes our ultimate goal improved health for African American families.

One key support in a new mother’s breastfeeding journey is the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).  IBCLCs are specially and extensively trained to support, promote and protect breastfeeding including a focus on creating an environment of education, encouragement and assistance unique to each mother’s needs. Becoming an IBCLC requires rigorous training that combines both hands on and book learning. There are few existing programs that provide all of the necessary components to complete this training. Many students begin a course of IBCLC study only to find their journey derailed because they cannot find all of the necessary educational elements. Even after finding a complete course of study many students find that they are unable to pay the thousands of dollars necessary and find themselves against yet another barrier to success. In addition, very few IBCLCs are African American. Many African American mothers are encouraged when their health professional "looks like them" as this can provide a personal connection and level of trust.

QC Cocoa B.E.A.N.S.’ central initiative is to aid in the implementation of a comprehensive IBCLC training program in connection with a Charlotte university by the fall of 2016. This program will be open to all and will encourage enrollment of minority students. In addition to providing a complete educational experience, QC Cocoa B.E.A.N.S.' goals include providing financial support for students by offering the Ubuntu Scholarship
. This fundraiser will result in increased numbers of IBCLCs who are women of color. A greater number of IBCLCs helps all women, and an emphasis on training  African American women is one way to erase the disparity in breastfeeding rates currently experienced by African American families and the disparities seen among this group in chronic diseases into adulthood.

In summary, QC Cocoa B.E.A.N.S. is in need of financial support to train more women, and African American women in particular, in order to help more mothers and their families achieve breastfeeding success and reap the benefits of resulting improved health.

QC Cocoa B.E.A.N.S.  can only achieve its goals with the assistance of generous donations from members of our community. Without these donations, serving those in our area would not be possible. Please consider supporting our efforts. We sincerely appreciate your time and generosity. 

THANK YOU!!