How to Choose a Pediatrician Who Supports Breastfeeding?

Pediatrician supportive of breastfeeding

Choose a pediatrician who supports breastfeeding: Has my pediatrician received education about breastfeeding?

How do you choose a pediatrician who supports breastfeeding? With all the evidence that supports breastfeeding as the best nutrition for your baby it is easy to feel that “of course my pediatrician will support me in my choice to breastfeed”.

However, this is not always true. It is not usually because your pediatrician does not want to support breastfeeding. More often, it is because physicians, pediatricians specifically, don’t receive much, if any, education or training regarding breastfeeding.

In a recent study, in BMC Pediatrics in 2018, pediatric residents were evaluated in their breastfeeding knowledge and comfort in helping mothers breastfeed. It was found that pediatric residents’ breastfeeding knowledge score was 71% . Only 4% of residents were very comfortable evaluating your latch, teaching you breastfeeding positioning, and addressing your questions regarding breastfeeding problems. In another study pediatric residents were asked questions regarding breastfeeding knowledge and their support towards breastfeeding. The overall conclusion was that  pediatricians-in-training have extremely limited knowledge of breastfeeding.  So, how can you be sure that the pediatrician you choose will support your breastfeeding?

Choose a pediatrician who supports breastfeeding: Don’t they all?

There are a lot of studies and evidence about how important breastmilk is to you and your baby. Despite this, there are still some pediatricians who may not be convinced that breastfeeding really makes a difference. They may not have the training and education to know how to support a family who chooses to breastfeed or know what to say or do when confronted with breastfeeding challenges. Because of this lack of knowledge they may fall back on formula as the “easy out”. When you come to your pediatrician – saying you are experiencing a difficulty or problem with breastfeeding -if their first words are “you can always try formula, supplement with formula, switch to formula”. This is not SUPPORT!

But, today, with specialists, (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants), whose whole role is supporting families who choose to breastfeed – as long as your pediatrician knows who these people are in the community and can connect you with an IBCLC they can still support you in your breastfeeding goals.

Choose a pediatrician who supports breastfeeding: Questions to ask your pediatrician.

What training have you had regarding breastfeeding?

Under what circumstances do you suggest formula supplements for nursing babies?

Do you recommend any particular formula?

Under what circumstances have you ever recommended discontinuing breastfeeding?

May I have a list of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC’s) that you refer to?

Do you have an IBCLC on your staff?

How long is the optimum time for me to breastfeed in your opinion?

When do you recommend starting solids?

Choose a pediatrician who supports breastfeeding: I’ve asked them all the questions – now what?

You’ve interviewed a few pediatricians and you have now figured out who you are most comfortable with and who will support your breastfeeding goals. GREAT! If you encounter a breastfeeding problem, whether it is my baby is not gaining weight fast enough, my nipples hurt, engorgement, etc – make sure you hold them accountable for the support they expressed at your interview. Ask for that list of IBCLC’s (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) so you can make an appointment. Sometimes it takes a village to accomplish our goals. We need the Pediatrician to be on our team!

Shout out to all the pediatricians out there who truly do support breastfeeding! You make a difference! Let’s all keep learning and supporting new families in their goals!

Want to learn more about breastfeeding? https://lactationservicesofsouthington.com/breastfeeding-workshops/

Read more about 10 Steps to Breastfeeding Success

About Patrice Jones

I have 20 years of helping moms as an IBCLC and also 30+ years of experience as a physician assistant working with babies and families. I am also the mother of three breastfed children and understand the pressures of working and being a mom. I get the total exhaustion you feel but the commitment to do everything you can to give them the best.

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