Tameka Jackson-Dyer has revolutionized breastfeeding support for Black mothers in Metro Detroit and Flint. Known as “The Crazy Milk Lady,” she provides culturally informed care that goes beyond medical advice. Her pioneering approach focuses on building community and empowering mothers through their breastfeeding journey.
Jackson-Dyer owns Crazymilklady Lactation Support Services and co-founded Southeast Michigan IBCLCs of Color (SEMI). Her work addresses critical gaps in hospital care and post-discharge support for Black families. The lactation consultant creates accessible resources that honor cultural traditions and address community needs.
Community-Based Lactation Support Transforms Traditional Healthcare Model
Jackson-Dyer has departed from conventional hospital-based care to create a revolutionary community support system. Her organization partners with community-based doulas and lactation consultants throughout Metro Detroit and Flint areas. This model ensures families receive support that is both accessible and culturally appropriate.
SEMI was formed specifically to provide mentorship and support for colleagues in the lactation field. “To provide support and mentorship for our colleagues and ensure culturally congruent care for the families in our community,” Jackson-Dyer explained. Many organization members also work as doulas with firsthand hospital experience.
Furthermore, the Warm Referral Network (WRN) supports this innovative approach through collaborative partnerships. This network connects hospitals with community leaders to infuse equity into baby-friendly practices. The program matches families with doulas, lactation support, and other essential resources.
Southeast Michigan IBCLCs of Color Addresses Healthcare Disparities
The organization directly tackles disparities that exist within the traditional healthcare system for Black mothers. SEMI members bring valuable hospital experience that highlights gaps in culturally competent care. Their firsthand knowledge helps them understand where conventional systems fail Black families.
Jackson-Dyer and her colleagues work to ensure that Black mothers receive support tailored to their specific needs. The organization focuses on providing mentorship while maintaining high standards of professional lactation care. This approach bridges the gap between medical expertise and cultural understanding.
Additionally, SEMI’s work extends beyond individual consultations to create systemic change within healthcare institutions. The organization advocates for policy changes that improve outcomes for Black mothers and infants. Their efforts contribute to broader conversations about equity in maternal healthcare.
Technology and Social Media Create Vital Peer Support Networks
Jackson-Dyer recognizes the important role technology plays in fostering peer-to-peer connections among Black mothers. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have become essential spaces for mothers to share experiences. National groups like “Breastfeeding Support Group for Black Moms” provide focused community support.
“Black Women Do Breastfeed” represents another vital platform that addresses socio-cultural issues specific to the community. These online spaces offer lifelines for mothers seeking advice and encouragement from peers. However, Jackson-Dyer notes that public social media can present privacy concerns for some users.
Nevertheless, these digital communities complement her organization’s direct services by providing 24/7 peer support. The combination of professional lactation consulting and peer networks creates comprehensive support systems. This multi-layered approach ensures mothers have access to help whenever they need it.
Historical Reclamation Fights Stigma Around Black Breastfeeding
A core component of Jackson-Dyer’s work involves challenging stigma within Black communities around breastfeeding practices. She argues that framing breastfeeding as a lifestyle choice rather than a health issue contributes to stigma. Her approach focuses on reclaiming breastfeeding as a historical birthright for Black women.
“Knowing the history and reclaiming our Birthright of being able to provide the perfect first food to our babies,” Jackson-Dyer stated. She emphasizes that Black women were historically forced to breastfeed others’ children during slavery. Now, she advocates for reclaiming this ability for their own families and communities.
Events like Black Breastfeeding Week and public photo shoots help normalize breastfeeding through increased visibility. These initiatives make the practice more accepted and understood within Black communities. Jackson-Dyer’s message remains simple and powerful: “Babies got to eat, anytime, anyplace.”
Innovative Funding Models Address Economic Barriers to Lactation Support
Economic barriers often prevent Black mothers from accessing professional lactation support services in their communities. SEMI utilizes innovative funding models, including grants, to provide care to families regardless of financial status. This approach ensures that cost doesn’t become a barrier to successful breastfeeding.
Jackson-Dyer points to proven benefits of basic minimum income programs that improve breastfeeding outcomes. These programs allow mothers to take adequate maternity leave, which supports breastfeeding initiation and duration. However, such programs remain limited, making grant funding essential for her organization’s mission.
The organization also develops partnerships with local businesses and healthcare providers to expand access. These collaborations help create sustainable funding sources while building community support networks. The multi-faceted approach ensures long-term viability of culturally competent lactation services.
Partnerships Create Breastfeeding-Friendly Spaces Throughout Metro Detroit
Strategic partnerships with organizations like the Michigan Breastfeeding Network (MIBFN) expand Jackson-Dyer’s community impact significantly. MIBFN’s award programs recognize breastfeeding-friendly healthcare providers and workplaces throughout the state. These partnerships help normalize breastfeeding in various professional and public settings.
The creation of lactation rooms at Detroit Metro Airport exemplifies successful advocacy for breastfeeding-friendly infrastructure. This project was spearheaded by a former co-chair of the Metro Detroit/Wayne County Breastfeeding Coalition. Such initiatives create safe, physical spaces that normalize public breastfeeding and support traveling mothers.
These partnerships demonstrate how collaborative efforts can create systemic changes that benefit all breastfeeding mothers. The work extends beyond individual consultations to transform entire communities and institutions. Jackson-Dyer’s advocacy helps establish lasting infrastructure that supports future generations of mothers.
Future Vision Emphasizes Prenatal Education and Bias-Free Support
Jackson-Dyer envisions a truly equitable system that begins with comprehensive prenatal education for all mothers. She advocates for inpatient support that is free from implicit biases that often affect Black women. This vision requires systemic changes in how healthcare providers approach maternal care.
The success of such a system should be measured beyond simple breastfeeding rates, according to Jackson-Dyer. She emphasizes the importance of overall mental, emotional, and economic well-being for Black mothers and infants. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnected factors that influence maternal and child health outcomes.
“When Black women can reclaim our Birthright as the sustainers of life, it will be a win for society,” she concluded. Her work demonstrates that supporting Black breastfeeding mothers benefits entire communities through improved health outcomes. The ripple effects include reduced healthcare costs, stronger family bonds, and healthier future generations.
