Doctors called to do more for breastfeeding moms

New blog about Doctors called to do more for breastfeeding moms

Does your pediatrician’s office do enough to encourage breastfeeding? Check out these new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to see how your doctor measures up.

Most women these days start breastfeeding their babies but struggle to exclusively breastfeed for a full 6 months, as recommended by the AAP. The academy says pediatricians can play an important – and greater – role in helping moms breastfeed successfully because they see babies and their moms frequently during the first year of life.

The AAP says pediatrician should:

• Be trained to assess breastfeeding, troubleshoot problems and refer moms to community resources such as lactation consultants or breastfeeding support groups as needed. They should also observe breastfeeding during a baby’s first visit (preferably by the 3rd to 5th day of life).

• Encourage moms to breastfeed in the waiting room, or in a separate area if privacy is preferred.

• Train all clinical staff on how to support breastfeeding moms, and have a nurse or other staff member assigned to routinely provide lactation help.

• Advise moms on how to continue breastfeeding when they return to work.

• Tell moms about breastfeeding support services that are covered under the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare).

• Ban posters or publications advertising baby formula. Pediatricians’ offices should also refrain from giving out free formula samples, or coupons for formula.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for your baby, including reducing the risk of infections, chronic disease and sudden infant death syndrome. Getting breastfeeding support as a new mom can help you breastfeed for longer, and breastfeed exclusively, recent research shows.

Photos by iStock.

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