The Asian Breastfeeding Task Force of Los Angeles launched its first photo project for National Breastfeeding Month, in which 17 local moms joined this movement.
LOS ANGELES – August is National Breastfeeding Month. The Asian Breastfeeding Task Force of Los Angeles is hosting photo exhibits in the San Gabriel Valley and downtown Los Angeles.
Funded by HealthConnect One Foundation’s Birth Equity Leadership Academy and the Office of Councilwoman Nury Martinez, the project showcases 17 mothers breastfeed their babies and aims to normalize breastfeeding among Asian families.
Los Angeles is home to the largest Asian American population in the U.S. with over half a million Asian Americans and 7,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders reside in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Almost half of Asian Americans in the San Gabriel Valley are limited English proficient, yet less than 6% of lactation professionals in Los Angeles County speaks an Asian language and prenatal medical visits offer little breastfeeding education using language-appropriate materials. These barriers greatly hindered Asian mother’s chance to successfully breastfeed.
“Somewhere between my mom being born, and me being born, the culture shifted from one where breastfeeding was viewed as social norm to stigma,” said To-wen Tseng who coordinated the project. A previous TV reporter turned freelance writer, Tseng volunteered with BreastfeedLA after receiving a rude awakening when her previous company published an article claiming breastfeeding images disturbing and disgusting.
“We need to restore the social norm and send out a clear message that breastfeeding is not disturbing; It’s beautiful.” Tseng was also posed in one of the photos with her 19-month-old.
“For women who are able, breastfeeding is one of the easiest, simplest ways to give their baby a healthy start in life,” said Councilwoman Martinez. “I am proud to partner with BreastfeedLA and the Asian Breastfeeding Task Force to erase the stigma for new mothers and help ensure a healthy future for our children.”
The exhibit is open to the public daily 8:00am – 10:00pm in August at Live Oak Park Community Center in Temple City, and all weekdays 8:00am – 5:00pm at LA City Hall Breezeway in downtown Los Angeles. An opening event is scheduled on Saturday, August 3rd from 3:00 – 5:00pm at Live Oak Park Community Center.
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About the Asian Breastfeeding Task Force
Founded in 2017 by a group of community members committed to normalizing breastfeeding in Asian communities, the Taskforce recognizes the unique cultural and education needs of Asian and Asian-American parents. We seek to decrease inequities and normalize breastfeeding in Los Angeles County’s Asian communities by improving breastfeeding education, support practices, and by removing systemic barriers that prevent breastfeeding from flourishing.
Media Contacts
Wendy Fung
wenf@phfewic.org
626-965-4735
To-wen Tseng
towen@breastfeeding.org
978-390-4238
