Provider Breastfeeding Education:

We need confidence, knowledge, and skills to support families!

One study compared survey results of American Academy of Pediatrics members in 1995 compared to 2014.  This analysis revealed  that while more pediatricians recommend exclusive breastfeeding, fewer think mothers can be successful, and fewer believe that the benefits outweigh the difficulties. 

Without the knowledge and confidence to navigate these challenges, providers cannot support breastfeeding and families will wean prematurely.    

To help, we need to learn more about the common challenges encountered by families in the first weeks postpartum.

Pain and low milk supply are the two most common lactation problems experienced by families.

In the first weeks postpartum, addressing pain from latching, engorgement, tongue tie, and torticollis is critical.  Women are significantly more likely to wean in the first 3 weeks postpartum if pain persists.

Low milk supply or perceived low milk supply is another common cause of premature weaning.  Our management of infant weight loss, jaundice, latching, ankyloglossia, and feeding patterns in these first weeks all impacts milk production. 

Managing these conditions successfully increases the likelihood of continued breastfeeding.

Families are more likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding if their primary care providers support them!

Increasing training during medical school and residency not only will support trainees in meeting their own goals when they have children, it also improves knowledge, attitude, and confidence when caring for patients.

Nationally the majority of families are initiating breastfeeding.  There is general recognition that breastfeeding is important.   Now we need to empower our health care providers and families with the skills to navigate the first weeks postpartum so they can continue breastfeeding and meet their goals