Mary,

I think you are being honest. I respectfully submit that, in the USA, physicians do the most to derail breastfeeding (not always intentionally), by action or inaction, AND stand to do the most good if they become advocates. I have seen so many times when mothers will defer to the position of the physician, whether it be to express milk for their premie if he recommends it or abandon bf due to jaundice if she recommends that. I have seen a doctor's brief visit with a piece of advice - positive or negative towards bf - totally overrule anything the LC or nurse had said or done. 

That is why it is important to not only educate the moms, but educate the physicians as much as you can. You must try, if at all possible, to become known as the expert that you are, and the one they refer, trusting your assessment and plan for the dyad. It can be done with most physicians. As with any medical person or lay person, on any subject, you are not going to convert everyone. And it is not an easy road - 24 years in bf advocacy and counting.

Laurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN
Mississippi, s.e. USA

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