Breastfeeding

Formula is not equivalent to breast milk. Breastfeeding confers benefits and protects from health deficits for both mothers and babies. (See the Department of Health and Human Services Blueprint for Action on Breastfeedingfor a detailed discussion of the benefits of breastfeeding, the challenges, and suggestions for a public health approach to increasing breastfeeding rates.)While the decision to breastfeed is influenced by many factors, many women report that they rely on their physician for advice. But many physicians do not make a clear statement that breastfeeding is best. That simple intervention – explaining the problems associated with formula feeding, expressing a preference for breastfeeding – can be enough to convince a woman to initiate breastfeeding. This flyer, Encouraging Your Patients to Breastfeed and this checklist can help start this discussion with your patients.

For women who attempt breastfeeding and have difficulties, every hospital has lactation consultants who can help (and they are nearly always successful in solving the problem so that breastfeeding can continue). There are also peer counselors available through the Monroe County WIC program. Here is a a list of phone numberrs to contact for breastfeeding support.