When a mother sits quietly in the middle of the night, nursing her newborn, it’s more than feeding; it’s connection, healing, and survival. But for many moms, especially women of color, this sacred act can feel like an uphill battle filled with pain, misinformation, or lack of support.
That’s why a recent milestone at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) deserves celebration far beyond campus walls. Their Human Lactation Training Program just received a $2.5 million grant from philanthropist Melinda French Gates’ initiative, Action for Women’s Health.
This grant is more than funding, it’s fuel for a movement: one that expands postpartum support, empowers moms through lactation education, and builds a more inclusive future for maternal health.
The Heart of the Story: What This Grant Means for Moms Everywhere
N.C. A&T’s Pathway 2 Human Lactation Training Program isn’t just another academic course; it’s a lifeline. Since its founding in 2020, the program has trained future lactation consultants who help mothers navigate one of the most vulnerable parts of postpartum life: breastfeeding and recovery.
Now, with this record-breaking $2.5 million grant, the program can:
- Expand clinical outreach to reach more moms in need.
- Train more diverse lactation professionals, creating a pipeline of Black and brown consultants.
- Strengthen community-based postpartum care, ensuring every mom, no matter her background, has access to culturally competent lactation support.
And that’s groundbreaking. In the U.S., Black women face higher maternal mortality rates and are less likely to receive breastfeeding support despite overwhelming research showing the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby. This grant is helping close that gap.
Why Lactation Support Matters in Postpartum Care
Many moms assume breastfeeding is supposed to come naturally, but it often doesn’t. In reality, 80% of mothers in the U.S. start breastfeeding, yet only 55% continue after six months (CDC, 2023). Pain, lack of guidance, returning to work too soon, or postpartum depression can make it feel impossible.
And here’s where lactation consultants like those trained at N.C. A&T—step in. They offer practical and emotional support to help moms:
- Navigate latch and feeding challenges
- Manage pumping, milk supply, and return-to-work transitions
- Heal from the emotional exhaustion of early motherhood
- Build confidence in their ability to feed and connect with their baby
But lactation care isn’t just about milk. It’s about mental health, self-worth, and the feeling of being supported, not judged, through the postpartum journey.
Building a Future Where Every Mom Feels Seen
N.C. A&T’s program is one of only 11 accredited lactation programs worldwide, and the only one housed at a historically Black university (HBCU). That matters deeply because representation in postpartum care is power.
When a mom walks into a clinic and sees a lactation consultant who understands her culture, language, or background, she feels safer to open up. She’s more likely to ask for help, to continue breastfeeding, and to find healing.
The program’s Community Lactation Clinic, which has already supported over 2,000 families since 2021, offers free, compassionate postpartum services. That’s the kind of care that changes not just feeding outcomes but entire generations.
What This Means for Postpartum Moms (and Why It Hits Home for So Many of Us)
As a fellow mom, this story touches something deep in me. Because every one of us knows what it feels like to be handed our baby and expected to just “figure it out.” We are told breastfeeding is “natural,” but no one tells us how hard it can be. We’re told postpartum emotions are normal, but no one tells us how lonely it can feel when the baby blues don’t fade.
And for too long, the system has overlooked mothers, especially those in marginalized communities, who need accessible, holistic care. This grant changes that trajectory. It acknowledges that postpartum care is community care.
When one mom gets help feeding her baby, she gains confidence. When that mom becomes a lactation consultant, she helps hundreds more. That’s how real change happens.
Momkinz’ Take: How This Inspires Our Mission
At Momkinz, this story feels personal because it aligns perfectly with what we stand for: empowering moms through information, connection, and access to verified postpartum care providers.
Here’s what we believe:
- Postpartum support should never be a privilege. It should be a right.
- Representation saves lives. Moms deserve care that reflects their backgrounds and values.
- Healing takes a village. And that village includes experts like lactation consultants, occupational therapists, and postpartum mental health professionals.
Every story like N.C. A&T reminds us that change starts with awareness and grows through community.
Momkinz Tips: How You Can Find Support
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Ask for lactation help early.
Don’t wait until you’re in tears at 2 a.m. Reach out to a postpartum care provider or lactation consultant as soon as feeding feels hard. -
Join a postpartum support group near you.
Shared experiences heal the heart. Visit Momkinz to find local or virtual groups for moms. -
Normalize asking for help.
There is no shame in needing guidance. Whether it’s for feeding, mental health, or simply rest, asking for support is a strength. -
Advocate for inclusive care.
Representation matters. If you can, support programs and professionals working to close care gaps for moms of color. -
Celebrate your journey.
Whether you breastfeed for three days or three years, what matters most is your love, not perfection.
A Vision of Hope: The Future of Postpartum Care
This $2.5 million grant isn’t just a university success; it’s a reminder that investing in mothers means investing in humanity. Imagine a world where every mom, regardless of race, background, or income, has free access to postpartum and lactation care. A world where your healing matters as much as your baby’s feeding.
That’s not a dream. That’s the direction we’re heading, one mom, one advocate, one community clinic at a time.
FAQs About Lactation, Postpartum Support, and Momkinz
1. What does a lactation consultant do?
They provide guidance on breastfeeding, pumping, and milk supply, helping moms feel confident and comfortable.
2. How can I tell if I need lactation support?
If you experience pain, low supply, or stress while feeding or just need reassurance, it’s time to reach out.
3. Is postpartum depression linked to breastfeeding challenges?
Yes, difficulties with feeding can increase emotional stress. Support from a lactation consultant can ease both physical and emotional strain.
4. How can I find postpartum support groups near me?
Visit Momkinz or ask your local hospital or pediatrician for community resources.
5. Are lactation consultants covered by insurance?
Many plans now cover lactation services under preventive care. Check with your provider.
6. What if I can’t breastfeed or choose not to?
You’re still a great mom. Love and bonding happen in many forms, not just through nursing.
7. How does lactation support help postpartum recovery?
It reduces pain, improves confidence, and strengthens emotional connection with your baby.
8. Why is representation in postpartum care important?
Moms are more likely to seek care from professionals who understand their culture and background, leading to better outcomes.
9. What if I feel overwhelmed or anxious postpartum?
You’re not alone. Talk to a postpartum support professional for emotional and mental health care.
10. How does Momkinz help mothers like me?
Momkinz connects moms to verified postpartum professionals, from lactation consultants to mental health experts, so no mom heals alone.
A Community That Heals Together
So many of us carry silent struggles as we care for our little ones. Maybe it’s the tears during late-night feeds, the guilt when things don’t go as planned, or the quiet wish for someone who understands. Stories like N.C. A&T’s reminds us that healing grows stronger when it’s shared. When one mom is supported, we all rise.
Let’s keep building that world one connection at a time. Visit Momkinz to find trusted postpartum care providers, support groups near you, and resources to help you thrive, not just survive, this season of motherhood.
Source: N.C. A&T Human Lactation Training Program Receives $2.5M Grant
