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 list of local phone numbers for your reference.
Other links: United States Breastfeeding Committee: An independent nonprofit coalition of more than 40 nationally influential professional, educational and governmental organizations that share a common mission to improve the nation’s health by working collaboratively to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. LaLeche League in the USA: Provides support to mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education. They promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners: IBLCE is the global authority that determines the competence of practitioners in lactation and breastfeeding care. Provides a list of providers who offer education suitable for prospective IBCLCs. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants Association: The professional association for IBCLCs. Provides a directory of lactation consultants searchable by zip ode. Provides information to mothers (FAQs, emergencies and breastfeeding, promotional materials). U.S. National Library of Medicine – LactMed: A peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed. Among the data included are maternal and infant levels of drugs, possible effeccts on breastfed infants, lactation and alternate drugs to consider. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: Dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation. World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action: WABA is a global network of individuals and organizations concerned with the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide.
|
