How do I know if my pediatrician TRULY supports breastfeeding?
Interviewing pediatricians? Start the dialogue
by asking what they know and believe about breastfeeding.
Does this pediatrician...
believe that breastfeeding is the biological norm and formula feeding and even pumping are lifestyle choices?
A doctor that truly supports breastfeeding will never minimize your feelings in an effort to help you feel "better". Saying that "it's not that bad" doesn't help to solve the actual problem. Your pediatrician should always listen and empathize if you share that breastfeeding is not going well.
support the World Health Organization's position on breastfeeding? Or does he/she promote early weaning?
"WHO recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. Thereafter, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed for up two years or more."
understand the WHO's definition of exclusive breastfeeding?
"Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breast milk -not even water- with the exception of oral re-hydration solution, or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals, or medicines."
only use the most current published WHO Infant Growth Charts for exclusively breastfed infants?
If the chart is based on breastfed babies and the baby's growth percentile has dropped, this is a red flag to take a closer look and see if breastfeeding can be improved.
understand what is normal for breastfeeding moms and babies?
This includes how much and how frequently breastfed babies typically eat (guess what- it's different from formula feeding babies!), what pumping is generally like, and what some signs of trouble are. For example, if a mom is struggling to pump enough, or if she is experiencing any breast pain or sore nipples.
seem willing to have a discussion about the importance of oral anatomy for pain-free, effective breastfeeding?
We frequently hear of pediatricians suggesting that lip tied or tongue tied babies are "fine" or that feeding "should be okay", yet mama and baby are struggling. Minimizing these issues as a medical fad is not productive or evidence-based.
consider feeding difficulties when making a diagnosis? And make referrals for lactation support?
Working with a lactation professional to rule out common breastfeeding issues that can sometimes masquerade as other problems (such as reflux, colic, constipation, or allergies) is an excellent first step before supplementing or beginning a medical treatment.
Newborn babies nurse very often and follow instinctual feeding cues which are vital to getting breastfeeding off to the best possible start. Unnecessary disruptions to breastfeeding can have unintended consequences to the nursing relationship. Take care before starting your breastfed baby on supplements by first ruling out breastfeeding problems, but be especially wary of any health professional that suggests stopping breastfeeding without a discussion of the risks and benefits.
When to Call For Help:
- It is sometimes difficult to latch your baby on or position feels awkward
- You are experiencing nipple, breast, or shoulder pain
- You aren't sure if you have enough milk
- Baby is fussy, gassy, spits up frequently, or you are considering an elimination diet
- Baby loses weight during the first few weeks, or isn't having yellow stools by day 4 of life.
The Fourth Trimester is honored to be your advocate! Call us for a free breastfeeding phone consultation.
Gladis- 727-657-7370 Emily- 727-452-4809
Email- fourthtri@gmail.com
www.TheFourthTrimester.net
