Importance of Encouraging Mothers to Breastfeed

Physicians of all specialties can help infants get the best start to life by encouraging mothers to breastfeed exclusively for six months.

Despite the health benefits of breastfeeding, only 36 percent of mothers in 2005 continued to breastfeed at six months—a number that dropped to 16 percent at 12 months.

So what can you do?

One of the first steps is to create an office environment that encourages breastfeeding, according to Esther K. Chung, MD, MPH, FAAP. Allow breastfeeding in all patient areas, but provide a private space for those who are not comfortable breastfeeding in public.

Display images of breastfeeding and limit marketing promotions from infant formula companies, Dr. Chung recommends. Encourage mothers to breastfeed and provide them with education and resources about breastfeeding.

Also, be a model employer. Develop a written office breastfeeding policy and provide your employees with the time and space to pump and store breast milk, Dr. Chung advises.

Learn more about promoting breastfeeding—and earn CME—by reading the latest issue of "Counter Details: Creating an Office Setting that Promotes and Supports Breastfeeding." In addition to Dr. Chung’s article, topics include smoking and breastfeeding and integrating lactation support providers and education.

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Last Updated: 11/9/2009
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