1511cf66_all_To_Action_on_Breastfeeding__Topic
[ID] 525 [Interest Areas] Breastfeeding Coalition Representative Health Care Provider Health Professional Organization Lactation Professional Other Areas: Pediatric Dietitian [Comment] The U.S. is close to reaching the initiation goal for breastfeeding; however, reaching the goal for 3, 6, and 12 months is nowhere near the goal. I feel this is because the mother loses touch with the LC at the birth hospital, and may be asking her pediatrician for lactation assistance. Unless the pediatrician has obtained specialized education in the management of breastfeeding, or employs someone who does, mothers are likely to get wrong or no advice except to formula feed. No wonder we are not reaching our long term breastfeeding goals! The promotion of lactation consultants, and reimbursement for their services must be encouraged and promoted so that more women can be assisted and breastfeeding goals can be met. If every pediatrician utilized an IBCLC (or even employed one!), breastfeeding could be preserved in many of the mothers who decide to stop breastfeeding. [Topic] 
Access to Lactation Care and Support
Call To Action on Breastfeeding
Topic