Why should I talk to my doctor or health care provider about breastfeeding?
Talking to your health care provider will help you learn his or her views on breastfeeding and find out what kind of support for breastfeeding she/he offers. Most pediatricians in the United States agree that human milk is superior for infant feeding. Your health care provider or your child’s pediatrician should offer you accurate, easy-to-understand breastfeeding information. Some clinics and doctors’ offices offer the services of a board certified lactation consultant to help with breastfeeding.
Where to find help with breastfeeding...
National Women’s Health Information Center —Breastfeeding Helpline and Web Site. If you have questions or would like more information on breastfeeding, call the National Women’s Health Information Center’s (NWHIC) Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-800-994-9662; TDD 1-888-220-5446 (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, EST). If you call during times that the Helpline is not staffed, leave a message and you will be called back on the next working day. The Breastfeeding Helpline is a project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is staffed with La Leche League-trained Breastfeeding Information Specialists. For serious problems, they will suggest you follow up with your health care provider or refer you to a lactation consultant in your area.A lactation consultant is a professional health worker trained to help new families be successful with breastfeeding. If a breastfeeding counselor or lactation consultant uses the initials “IBCLC,” they have been certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. To find an IBCLC nearby, check the IBCLC organization web site at www.iblce.org for a list of all the currently certified IBCLCs who are registered in the United States. Breastfeeding Information Specialists may also refer you to a local La Leche League Leader. Neither Breastfeeding Information Specialists nor La Leche League Leaders give medical advice. The Helpline also offers a breastfeeding packet with pamphlets on basic breastfeeding issues as well as special breastfeeding situations. You also can find more information on the NWHIC web site: www.womenshealth.gov.
Source: The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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