At The Breastfeeding Network (BfN), we want to spotlight organisations led by Black and Brown women that share our values. First, we’re delighted to feature The Motherhood Group, a social enterprise supporting the Black maternal experience, breastfeeding support, and culturally sensitive care.
Founder Sandra Igwe shares her own journey that led to The Motherhood Group, along with her reflections on this year’s Black Breastfeeding Week theme — Rooted in Breastfeeding Success, Grounded in Community Support.
Rooted in Breastfeeding Success, Grounded in Community Support
By Sandra Igwe, Founder of The Motherhood Group & the BlackMums App
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beautiful ways to nourish a child — but it is not always easy. My own journey as a mother of three has shown me that breastfeeding success is not simply about willpower or instinct; it’s about having the right support at the right time, and being part of a community that truly understands you.
When I had my first child nine years ago, I was determined to breastfeed exclusively. That was also the year I started The Motherhood Group, and in those early days we had a small WhatsApp group of mothers who reassured me when I was struggling. Without their encouragement, I might have stopped much earlier. I still remember sitting up at night, the pump going constantly — not the hands-free, wearable pumps available now, but a manual one that kept me tethered to the wall, or even using my fingers to press and express milk. It was exhausting, and it made my postnatal depression worse. I had to push myself to keep going, reminding myself that maintaining my supply was worth it. Back then, there were no culturally competent breastfeeding groups to turn to, and that gap in support is one of the reasons I made it part of The Motherhood Group’s mission to change that.
With my second child, I was able to breastfeed, but she struggled to settle unless she was feeding. I loved the closeness, but the constant demand left me physically drained and emotionally stretched. Again, it was my community — other Black mothers within The Motherhood Group — who helped me feel seen and offered practical advice without judgement.
By the time my third child arrived, I had the confidence, knowledge, and network to breastfeed until she was 18 months old. That success wasn’t because the journey was suddenly “easy,” but because I was rooted in the support we had built together — mothers, peer supporters, and healthcare professionals who respected our cultural context and understood the link between maternal mental health and breastfeeding.
At The Motherhood Group, and through our BlackMums App, we have supported thousands of Black mothers across the UK to access culturally competent peer support, antenatal education, and maternal mental health services. We know that when women feel culturally safe, they are more likely to seek help, overcome challenges, and feel confident in their feeding choices.
The theme for this year’s Black Breastfeeding Week — Rooted in Breastfeeding Success, Grounded in Community Support — could not be more fitting. Success stories are not built in isolation; they are nurtured by those who show up consistently — whether that’s a peer supporter at a drop-in session, a midwife who listens without judgement, or a fellow mum who sends you a message at midnight saying, “You’re doing amazing.”
If you are reading this and struggling, please know: you are not alone. Whether it’s through the National Breastfeeding Helpline, local peer support, or community-led initiatives like The Motherhood Group, there is help out there. Your journey is valid, your experience matters, and with the right support, you can find your own version of breastfeeding success.
To learn more about our work or to connect with culturally competent support, visit The Motherhood Group website or download the BlackMums App.