LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract of the Month for June 2004

"Opinions and Practices of Clinicians Associated With Continuation of Exclusive Breastfeeding"

Authors:

Elsie M. Taveras, MD, MPH
Laurence Grummer-Strawn, PhD
Richard Marshall, MD
Irina Miroshnik, MS
Ruowei Li, MD, PhD
Marcie Richardson, MD
Virginia H. Rego, MS, MPH
Tracy A. Lieu, MD, MPH

Pediatrics 2004 April; 113(4): e283-e290

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unfortunately statistics indicate that initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding are low in the United States. The object of this study was to identify clinicians’ opinions and management practices that are associated with the continuation of exclusive breastfeeding. Clinicians reported that limited time during preventative visits to discuss breastfeeding problems was a large barrier. Obstetric providers were the least confident in helping mother with increasing milk supply. Pediatricians were the least confident in helping with breast pain or painful nipples. Many clinicians do not feel confident in their skills to support breastfeeding. Clinicians’ practices regarding formula supplementation and their opinions about the importance of their breastfeeding advice are associated with having more mothers exclusively breastfeed. The results of this study show the importance of structured breastfeeding education for health care organizations and behaviorally oriented counseling programs would promote more exclusive breastfeeding in doctors’ practices.

Exclusive breastfeeding is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “no supplemental liquids or solid foods other than medications or vitamins.”

This paper is being categorized with the following KEYWORDS:

Exclusive Breastfeeding
Supplements
Barriers
Nipples
Minority Mothers
Insufficient Lactation
Professional Attitudes
Suckling
Breast Pain
Duration
Psychology -- Mothers
Media

This article is available at this link.

Additional Information: Educational Opportunities for Clinicians

http://lalecheleague.org/ed/PhysSem.html

http://www.bfmed.org/

http://www.wellstart.org/

Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:34:23 UTC 2007.