What paediatricians need to know about breastfeeding

Despite the substantial body of evidence confirming the risks of not breastfeeding, only 50% of mothers are still breastfeeding at 6 weeks. The vast majority of breastfeeding problems arise from a lack of understanding of the normal breastfeeding process. To advise mothers correctly, paediatricians must have an understanding of the principles and management of lactation and breastfeeding. Paediatricians commonly see the results of ineffective breastfeeding e.g. jaundice, weight loss and hypoglycaemia and it is therefore necessary to reaffirm the importance of protecting and supporting breastfeeding by considering well-substantiated health outcomes. Knowledge of optimal management in situations where there is perceived lactation failure is also crucial.