 One of the most important choices you will make as a new parent is choosing the right pediatrician. This will be the person you rely on for the next 18 years to help guide you through making medical decisions for your child. How can you make sure that your pediatrician is going to work with you during your breastfeeding journey? We asked Dr. Leila Hall, pediatrician at Next Generation Pediatrics, for her thoughts.
What is the best way to determine if your pediatrician is breastfeeding friendly/knowledgeable? Dr. Hall: Ask! Don’t be shy about discussing personal issues like breastfeeding, sleep-training, vaccinating, etc. with your pediatrician. This doctor is going to be your trusted partner in medical care for your child for years ahead. So, if you are not finding them comfortable to talk to, consider finding another doctor with whom you can talk freely. Breastfeeding is very important issue, and if your pediatrician doesn’t support you in your stance on it, it is good to know ahead of time. What should I say if I disagree with something my pediatrician says? (Eg, wants me to supplement baby and I don’t want to?) Dr. Hall: Your pediatrician should be a resource for information and guidance, but the doctor is not your dictator. Viewing the relationship as a partnership can be a helpful framework for navigating disagreements. Of course, we all hope to maintain a polite and respectful relationship (on both sides!), but asking for alternative options is perfectly fine. Also, if you are not comfortable with what your pediatrician suggests (or if you are simply not going to follow the directions), it is always better to state your concerns clearly so the doctor can help you formulate another plan of care. What is the best way to bridge any gaps? Open communication is key! Hopefully, your pediatrician will support you in your breastfeeding. If breastfeeding is not a strong suit for your otherwise wonderful pediatrician, they should be very supportive of your consulting an IBCLC (lactation consultant). Thank you Dr. Hall for your time and help!  One of the most exciting pieces of the Affordable Health Care Act was the expansion of coverage for women, to include free preventative care, breastfeeding support and breastpump coverage. But all is not going well: a 2015 report from the National Women’s Law Center states that many insurers are NOT meeting this obligation to cover breastfeeding supplies and support.
Back in May, Dr. Kathleen McCue testified for Senator Patty Murray’s office on the violations that IBCLCs are experiencing and what services are not receiving reimbursement. In addition, the National Women’s Law Center is working hard to correct these oversights and deficiencies. So what can you do?
Have a question? Get in touch!  Imagine that you have just arrived home with your beautiful newborn. You may feel exhausted, emotional, excited, or any number of emotions – all at the same time! Your baby starts to stir, so remembering all of the great lessons you learned in your prenatal class, you settle down into your glider and get ready to latch. And….nothing. The baby won’t latch!
Or maybe the baby latches, but it hurts. Or maybe the baby latches, but you are worried that not enough is coming out. Or maybe you have been nursing for an hour and you think – this can’t possibly be right! Too bad infants aren’t sent home with full-color “how-to” manuals, right? Breastfeeding is supposed to be so natural, but now you wonder, can I actually do this? Of course! Your baby was born to breastfeed, you can do it, and we are here to help. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (or IBCLC for short) are dedicated lactation professionals who have gone through rigorous training and passed a medical board exam. IBCLCs are specialized in the field of lactation and practice evidence-based medicine surrounding breastfeeding and disorders of lactation. There are many levels of support, from La Leche League meetings to other Mommy support groups, but the IBCLC is the gold standard for breastfeeding support. Now that you’ve determined that you need an IBCLC, where do you find one? Here at Metropolitan Breastfeeding we are happy to help. Our consultants will travel to your home – from Baltimore to Bethesda, from Frederick to Fairfax and in between! Metropolitan Breastfeeding specializes in same-day visits and offers 24/7 phone service – because babies won’t wait. Call us today! 301-943-9293 |
