Behind OMC
More than an organization. A lived experience.
The Obsidian Milk Collective was born from personal experience, community, and a belief that Black families deserve more than survival, they deserve to be seen, supported, and empowered throughout their infant feeding journeys.
Every program we build, every policy we advocate for, and every family we serve is rooted in a story that began long before OMC existed.
My Breastfeeding Journey
This is where OMC really began.
People often assume I became a lactation professional because breastfeeding came naturally to me.
The truth is, it didn't.
My journey began in December 2005 when I became a mother at seventeen years old. What followed was years of unanswered questions, missed opportunities for support, moments of self-doubt, and ultimately, a calling that transformed both my life and my work.
Today, every family I serve and every system I advocate to change is rooted in those experiences.
More from Jasmine
Black Maternal Health Week Reflection
Published by United Women of Color, this reflection explores my perspective on Black maternal health, advocacy, and the importance of culturally responsive care.
Alabama Cannot Reduce Maternal Mortality Without Lactation Justice
Originally written as an editorial submission.
Founder. Mother. Lactation Strategist. Advocate.
Jasmine Hammonds is the Founder and Executive Director of The Obsidian Milk Collective, a Black-led nonprofit advancing lactation justice through education, advocacy, systems change, and community care.
She also serves as Co-Director of the Alabama Cohosh Collaborative, where she leads statewide reproductive justice initiatives focused on improving access, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing maternal health equity.
Drawing from experience across nonprofit leadership, healthcare, education, and advocacy, Jasmine works to ensure Black families receive culturally responsive lactation support while helping build a stronger and more diverse lactation workforce.
But before any title, certification, or leadership role…
She was simply a mother trying to feed her baby.
Credentials & Leadership
Credentials
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS)
Certified Childbirth Educator (CBE)
Perinatal Mental Health Trained (PSI)
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Advocate (PAIL)
Leadership & Service
Founder & Executive Director, The Obsidian Milk Collective
Co-Director, Alabama Cohosh Collaborative
Alabama Breastfeeding Committee
Fetal & Infant Mortality Review (FIMR)
Count the Kicks Ambassador
Community Recognition
Terry Jo Curtis Award
CHEER Champion
ROSE Summit Abstract Selection
Nutrition Education & Breastfeeding Conference Abstract Selection
United Women of Color Coalition Partner
Leadership Development & Learning
Birth & Breastfeeding Leadership Institute, Cohort 6 — Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association (Current)
Op-Ed Project: Write to Change the World (2026)
Looking Ahead
The work is just beginning.
My vision extends beyond individual consultations.
I envision a future where every Black family has access to culturally responsive lactation care, where lactation support is recognized as essential healthcare, and where the next generation of Black lactation professionals never has to navigate this path alone.
The Obsidian Milk Collective is building that future. One family, one partnership, and one system at a time.
Together, we're making lactation justice impossible to ignore.