Breastfeeding support in pediatrician's office?

Nurses General Nursing

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I want to know what other offices are doing to assist breastfeeding mothers when they go to the pediatrician's office. Any protocols used? Anything related to the WHO baby-friendly office initiative? Thank you.

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do you mean if they assist with giving mom a place to do so? my doc's office does.

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When I have a baby, I am definitely breastfeeding where ever I happen to be when my kid gets hungry. I've seen some women do it in public.. and while it makes me slightly uncomfortable (just because I so rarely see it..) I'm proud of them for realizing thats there is nothing gross or bad about breastfeeding your baby. It is a sad thing if women who have just given birth have to go to a special room while they are actually IN the Doctors office!?! wow.

I have no idea how long I'll be breastfeeding, though.... I just informed my husband that I'm going to breastfeed in public and he doesnt care one bit. ;D

Of course, I'm not pregnant yet. ;)

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I would be glad to see a day when the USA can come to grips with breastfeeding and deal with it as well as they do in many other countries. It's high time for heaven's sake.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

In the office where I work, if a mom needs to breastfeed, we will put them in an exam room earlier to have privacy. I also encourage the mom to continue to breastfeed if she is in the middle of feeding when it is time for the exam/visit. If they are uncomfortable having me in the room (which hasn't happened yet) while they are still breastfeeding, I would go see another patient and then come back. If the baby is hungry by the end of the visit, I'll encourage mom to stay in the exam room to feed the baby for as long as she needs. I have plenty of exam rooms that are free, so if a mom needs to stay in there 20 minutes after a sick visit or well child exam to feed her child, it isn't a problem at all.

I assume most physician offices run like this. Has anyone had a bad breastfeeding experience in a pediatrician's office? If so that would be horrible since we are often the main line of support for a lot of breastfeeding moms!

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I wonder if the OP was thinking along the lines of having some kind of lactation consultant assist in office? I want to say that the lactation consultant was an RN and we were able to then submit her charges for insurance reimbursemnent because it ran through the office? It's been a few years, sorry for the fuzzy memory. The Ped that I took my first daughter to had this several days a week. It was quite helpful. The Docs in the group were very willing to help out by giving a new BFing with concerns a sick child appt and didn't embarass you or make a new mother feel like they were a pest for coming in with breastfeeding concerns. They really emphasized how important it was. Having said that, they also gave away those diaper bags with samples given to them by formula companies at the orientation visit to the practice. So, they weren't totally following WHO recomendations.

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My pediatrician's office has a lactation consultant. She has her own office, plenty of supplies, and did a lot of teaching for me when my kids were babies. She helped my through engorgement, latch-on and all sorts of issues. I was welcomed to breast feed in the office.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Used to work in a community health ctr with a PNP and a couple other providers who saw kids. Our breastfeeding support consisted of the PNP and me. She had BFed her son x 8mo, and I was still currently BFing my infant son at the time. We were the lactation support. I enjoyed it but felt rushed at it, because I was also working with the other 2-3 providers getting patients back to rooms, triaging, taking phone calls, etc. It was really frustrating.

I wish more pediatricians' offices woule be forward-thinking and hire someone to support new breastfeeding moms. It is an additional cost, but the economic and health benefits of breastfeeding have been well-documented.

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

That takes it to the next level. This is so much better than a practitioner who pushes a mom to switch to formula if the slightest glitch arises. I do still see this.

You can measure intake with formula, change to a different one etc...

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Tele, ER.

As a breastfeeding Mom, there are SO MANY things a peds office can do to support us. The great thing is, there are an infinite number of ways to encourage and support us - a perfect application of your nursey brain. :)

Just a few -

*Breastfeeding is an awesome "painkiller". When my son still got vax (don't go there, different thread, people!!), the best thing after he got the owie was Mama's reassuring boob.

*For us experienced breastfeeders, as in ... those of us who have continued to BF into toddlerhood (my son is 2.5 with no end in sight), help normalize EBF (extended BF) by showing support when you learn your 2+ year old pt is "still" BF. It's a good thing, really. If you don't have experience with this particular scenario, maybe it makes you a little uncomfortable. Come-up with phrases which will validate their experience like "What a great bond you must share", "Isn't it wonderful to be able to continue to provide such comfort to your child - there's nothing like it", etc. Whatever you want to say - just please validate and help us normalize our experience. We catch a lot of flack from society, your support would mean a lot.

*Don't ask a BFing mama to move from a waiting area into a secluded exam room. It insinuates there is something to hide about this wonderful relationship. Some mamas do want privacy while they nurse, a sign which lets those mamas know there is privacy available would be helpful ("If you desire more private accommodations while you nurse your child, just ask. [X Pedi Office] supports breastfeeding Moms.")

And so on!

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Does your office give away formula? What occurs if a breastfeeding mother has a problem? Are they referred to a lactation consultant? Is there someone in the office who is available to assist with and assist these women right there in the office? Are there other staff who are supportive of breastfeeding? Thank you in advance.

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WOW! As a breastfeeding mother, I am sure you must of felt more supported with the lactation consultant right there in the pedi's office. Was formula given away? thanks.

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