P3A099: Using a Children's Picture Book to Induce Breastfeeding Culture Change in Black Communities

Background: Children’s books have previously been used successfully to convey important health education to children. Currently there are very few books that portray human breastfeeding, particularly in Black populations.

Project Description: To utilize a novel children’s book, ‘‘Ziora’s Quest: Mommy’s Milk Rocks!’’ – aimed at the older sibling, to provide fundamental health education for the child and caregiver with a goal to increase normalization of breastfeeding.

Discussion: The book was inspired by my three children, all of whom were breastfed. It tells the story of a six-year- old girl, Ziora who wishes for a baby sister but soon realizes that breastfeeding consumes much of Mommy’s time. Ziora’s curiosity gets her transported through a portal to the fantasy world of Milky White, where she meets her pediatrician and learns amazing facts about breast milk.
My now eight-year-old daughter was five years old when she wished for a baby brother for a year; my ten-year-old daughter led me on a quest to my ‘Why’ for writing the book and was a big part of my writing process. I now summarize my ‘Why’ in my three E’s- to educate, empower and entertain children on the importance of breastfeeding.
My writing process was an arduous but extremely rewarding one. I took Writing classes, worked with editors, and after I had completed my manuscript, began the journey to finding the illustrator that would bring my words to life. I found the perfect illustrator- a young artist from Ukraine, who diligently poured herself out, and safely escaped to France a few months ago.
My book is a descriptive and in-depth conversation about breastfeeding. The cover shows a Black mother breastfeeding her baby - something that is, sadly, rarely seen on book covers.
I have had the honor of reading at bookstores, libraries and playhouses.
‘This is my favorite book! I learned so much about breastfeeding; thank you, Dr. O!’ - Destiny H, 9 years old
‘Both my boys, but particularly my 3 year old son, wants to read this book all the time. The colors and illustrations are eye catching and vivid so it is very fun to look at, and the information is factual and easy to understand for young brains. I’m so thankful for this!’ - Morghan V, mom of 3

Conclusion: My goal is that this book starts conversations around breastfeeding between parents and their children on the beauty and benefits of breastfeeding, and that it is used as a tool to educate young children, normalize breastfeeding and increase breastfeeding rates. I have recently partnered with the Pennyslvania WIC to give this book to participant families. Further research work is needed/planned to evaluate the potential effect on utilizing this book to improve breastfeeding duration.