Breastfeeding Tip: Find Supportive Health Care Providers

I cannot overemphasize this tip: Find breastfeeding friendly health care providers if you want to breastfeed your baby for a year or longer.

I had to "fire" my first Pediatrician because she was so ignorant of the importance of breastfeeding. If your Pediatrician is only giving lip service to "breast is best", then he is going to recommend formula at every sign of difficulty, when formula is very rarely needed. What IS needed is accurate information and support. Ask around at an LLL meeting, breastfeeding class or Mom's group for recommendations for a health care provider who is *truly* supportive of nursing.

The same principle is true when speaking about your Obstetrician or Midwife. Ask your Doctor or CNM how she feels about breastfeeding and what she would recommend if you ran into challenges. Listen carefully to her response to gauge how passionate and knowledgable she is about the topic.

Also- be aware that not everyone who calls themselves a breastfeeding counselor has ever actually nursed a baby. They may not even have more knowledge than a couple of hours of instruction in basic breastfeeding management.

If you need a Lactation Consultant, find one with the initials IBCLC after her name, meaning that she has been certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

Or contact a La Leche League leader, who is herself a nursing Mom (or has been a nursing Mom) and is skilled in helping mothers through common breastfeeding challenges. LLL leaders have gone through an accreditation process with La Leche League International and are qualified to give information and support to nursing Moms.

Developing a relationship with an LLL leader or L.C. means that you won't hesitate to call her when you have a problem, for example, sore nipples or if you're concerned about your baby getting enough milk. Or, if you need to take medication and want to know if it is compatible with breastfeeding.

As a general rule, most medicines are safe to use while breastfeeding, and even if they aren't, they often can be administered in such a way so as to not disrupt the breastfeeding relationship unnecessarily.

Getting your health care team on your side means you and your baby will enjoy a happier and healthier nursing experience!