Let’s kick things off by acknowledging the incredible work done by pediatricians. Anyone willing to tackle baby messes, unusual rashes, frantic new parents, and tantrum-throwing toddlers deserves a medal. These dedicated professionals save lives daily, endure brutal hours, and carry the weight of significant student debt, all while ensuring the health of our future generations.
However, as a mother who has breastfed a couple of little ones and as a lactation consultant aiding numerous new moms, I can confidently say that many pediatricians—though not all—could improve their support for breastfeeding mothers.
When I took my first child to the pediatrician shortly after his birth, I received the surprising advice to drink a quart of cow’s milk every day to boost my breast milk supply (which is completely false!). Despite my son losing a typical amount of weight for a three-day-old, the pediatrician immediately started discussing formula supplementation. I was overwhelmed and emotional, dealing with engorgement and a flood of hormones. Thankfully, we quickly found a new pediatrician who was much more encouraging, and my son gained weight rapidly once my milk came in.
I’ve encountered even more troubling stories, such as pediatricians insisting that mothers could not breastfeed while on certain medications that were actually safe, advising mothers to wean if they became pregnant (which is rarely necessary), and office staff who openly criticized mothers breastfeeding in the waiting area (yes, this really happens).
It’s not that these pediatricians lack care for breastfeeding; rather, they often haven’t received adequate training. Some medical friends have informed me that many MDs receive just an hour—or even less—of breastfeeding education during their training. Others may not prioritize breastfeeding support in their practices or might simply feel uncomfortable with breastfeeding.
Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has taken notice of these concerns. This month, the AAP released new guidelines aimed at helping pediatricians better support breastfeeding families. Published in Pediatrics, the guidelines outline why this initiative is essential and provide 19 strategies for pediatric practices to become more “breastfeeding-friendly.”
The AAP emphasizes that improving the country’s relatively low breastfeeding rates is a public health issue, placing pediatricians at the forefront of this effort. After a few days of breastfeeding support in the hospital (if lactation consultants or knowledgeable nurses are available), pediatricians are often the primary healthcare providers mothers consult in the following weeks. Thus, it’s crucial for pediatricians to be well-informed about breastfeeding support and to create a welcoming environment for breastfeeding mothers.
The AAP cites a 2004 survey indicating that many pediatricians were “less likely to believe that the benefits of breastfeeding outweighed the difficulties or inconvenience,” and fewer thought that nearly all mothers could succeed. This is concerning, but it’s encouraging that the AAP is addressing it.
Among the 19 recommendations for pediatric practices, the highlights include hiring a lactation consultant on staff, training all personnel on breastfeeding basics, ensuring waiting rooms are breastfeeding-friendly, limiting formula recommendations unless medically necessary, and reducing unnecessary formula marketing. Additionally, practices should assist mothers in balancing breastfeeding and pumping as they transition back to work. For more detailed guidelines, check out the full article in Pediatrics.
It’s important to note that these guidelines are specifically designed for pediatricians who support those wishing to breastfeed. Some mothers may choose not to breastfeed for various reasons or wish to stop earlier than the AAP advises (which recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for a year or more, depending on the mother and child’s preference). No one should be pressured into breastfeeding against their will, and formula can be a suitable alternative.
For mothers who have felt unsupported or dismissed by their pediatricians regarding breastfeeding, these new guidelines are a refreshing change. While it may take time for all pediatricians to adopt these recommendations, it’s great news that a major medical organization is showing such strong support for breastfeeding mothers everywhere.
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In summary, the AAP’s new guidelines are a significant step toward improving breastfeeding support in pediatric practices, addressing a critical public health issue and recognizing the importance of pediatricians in aiding breastfeeding mothers.