Let’s kick things off by recognizing that there are truly exceptional pediatricians out there. Seriously, anyone willing to tackle baby poop, bizarre rashes, frantic new parents, and tantrum-throwing toddlers deserves a medal. It’s also important to remember that pediatricians work tirelessly, save lives daily, and often bear the weight of hefty student loans—all while dedicating themselves to the health of the next generation.
As a mother who nursed a couple of little ones and a lactation consultant who has helped numerous new moms, I can say that many (though not all!) pediatricians could use some improvement in their approach to supporting breastfeeding.
When I brought my first child to the pediatrician at just a few days old, I received some rather baffling advice: I was told to drink a quart of cow’s milk daily to boost my breast milk supply (which is completely false!). My son had lost an expected amount of weight for his age, yet the pediatrician immediately suggested formula supplementation. I was overwhelmed, hormonal, and on the verge of tears. We quickly switched to a more supportive pediatrician, and once my milk came in, my son gained weight beautifully.
Unfortunately, I’ve heard even worse accounts from other mothers, including instances where pediatricians advised against breastfeeding while taking certain medications that were, in fact, safe, or suggested weaning during pregnancy (which is rarely necessary). There have even been reports of office staff who scoff at moms breastfeeding in the waiting room (yes, this really happens).
It’s not that these pediatricians lack empathy towards breastfeeding; many simply haven’t received adequate training (I’ve heard from physician friends that some only get about an hour of breastfeeding education in medical school). Others may not prioritize breastfeeding support or could be influenced by personal biases.
Recognizing this issue, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stepped in. Recently, they issued a new set of guidelines aimed at helping pediatricians better support breastfeeding families. Published in the journal Pediatrics, the guidelines outline 19 actionable steps that pediatric offices can implement to become more “breastfeeding-friendly.”
The AAP emphasizes that improving the nation’s rather disappointing breastfeeding rates is a public health issue, and pediatricians play a crucial role in this effort. After all, while moms might receive some initial breastfeeding assistance in the hospital (if they’re fortunate enough to have a knowledgeable lactation consultant or nurse), pediatricians are often the healthcare providers mothers consult most frequently thereafter. Thus, it’s vital that they are well-versed in breastfeeding support and that their offices cater to the needs of breastfeeding moms.
The guidelines also reference a 2004 survey indicating that many pediatricians were “less likely to believe that the benefits of breastfeeding outweighed the challenges or inconveniences” and that fewer thought nearly all mothers could succeed. Ouch! While not all pediatricians share this mindset, many mothers face these challenges, making it encouraging that the AAP is addressing it.
The proposed 19-point action plan is impressive, featuring recommendations for pediatric offices to have a lactation consultant on staff, train all staff members in breastfeeding basics, create welcoming waiting rooms for breastfeeding, limit formula recommendations unless medically necessary, and assist mothers in balancing breastfeeding and pumping when returning to work. (For more details, check out the article in Pediatrics.)
It’s important to note that these guidelines are primarily for pediatricians assisting mothers who wish to breastfeed. There are certainly mothers who choose not to breastfeed or who prefer to wean earlier than the AAP recommends (which advocates for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for a year or more, based on the mother and child’s preferences). No one should be pressured to breastfeed against their will, and formula can be a perfectly acceptable alternative.
For mothers who have felt dismissed or unsupported by their pediatricians regarding breastfeeding, these guidelines are a refreshing change. However, it remains to be seen if pediatricians nationwide will adopt these recommendations—change won’t happen overnight. Regardless, we should celebrate the fact that these guidelines exist and that a major medical organization is openly advocating for breastfeeding moms everywhere.
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In summary, the AAP’s new guidelines emphasize the need for pediatricians to become more supportive of breastfeeding, addressing common misconceptions and providing actionable steps to create a nurturing environment for breastfeeding mothers.
Keyphrase: Pediatricians breastfeeding support
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