Let’s begin by acknowledging the incredible work done by pediatricians. Anyone who can handle the challenges of baby care—like diaper changes, unexpected rashes, anxious parents, and tantruming toddlers—truly deserves recognition. Pediatricians play a crucial role in saving lives, endure long hours, and carry the weight of substantial medical school debts, all while dedicating themselves to the health of future generations.
However, as a mother who has breastfed and a lactation consultant who has guided numerous new moms, I can confidently say that many pediatricians—though not all—could benefit from enhancing their support for breastfeeding mothers.
When I took my first child to the pediatrician just days after birth, I was advised to consume a quart of cow’s milk daily to boost my milk supply—this claim is entirely false! My son had lost a typical amount of weight for a newborn, but the pediatrician immediately suggested formula supplementation. I was overwhelmed and emotional, leading us to change to a more supportive pediatrician who helped my son thrive once my milk came in.
I’ve heard even more troubling stories, such as pediatricians advising against breastfeeding due to certain medications that were actually safe, recommending weaning during pregnancy (which is rarely necessary), and office staff ridiculing mothers breastfeeding in the waiting area (yes, that happens).
It’s not that these pediatricians lack concern for breastfeeding; rather, they may not have received adequate training (some medical professionals have told me that MDs get as little as an hour of breastfeeding instruction in medical school, if that). Others might not prioritize breastfeeding support or may harbor personal biases against it.
Fortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recognized this issue. Recently, they released new guidelines aimed at helping pediatricians better support breastfeeding families. Detailed in the journal Pediatrics, the authors articulate why these guidelines are essential and present 19 actionable suggestions for pediatric practices to become more “breastfeeding-friendly.”
The AAP underscores that improving the country’s low breastfeeding rates is a public health concern and that pediatricians are key players in this effort. After a brief period of hospital assistance, pediatricians are often the primary healthcare providers mothers turn to for support. Therefore, it’s vital that they are knowledgeable about breastfeeding and create accommodating environments for nursing mothers.
The AAP references a 2004 survey indicating that many pediatricians believed the challenges of breastfeeding outweighed the benefits and doubted that nearly all mothers could succeed. While not every pediatrician shares this perspective, it is a common hurdle for many mothers.
The 19-point plan from the AAP is impressive, recommending that all pediatric offices employ a lactation consultant, train staff in breastfeeding basics, ensure waiting rooms are welcoming to nursing mothers, limit formula promotion unless strictly necessary, and assist mothers in managing breastfeeding and pumping as they return to work. For more detailed insights, check out the full article in Pediatrics.
Of course, these guidelines are tailored for pediatricians who support mothers wishing to breastfeed. Some mothers may choose not to breastfeed for various reasons or may wish to wean earlier than the AAP recommends (which suggests exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for at least a year, based on the wishes of mother and child). No one should feel pressured to breastfeed against their will, and formula is a valid alternative.
For mothers who have felt unsupported in their breastfeeding journey, these new guidelines represent a significant step forward. It remains to be seen how quickly pediatricians will adopt these recommendations, but the emergence of such guidelines from a major medical organization is a positive development for breastfeeding support everywhere.
In summary, pediatricians are pivotal in promoting breastfeeding, and the AAP’s new guidelines aim to enhance their support for nursing mothers. While the path to implementation may take time, it’s encouraging to see a strong commitment to improving breastfeeding support in pediatric practices.
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