Since the research question came up, I was wondering how some of you answer
doubting questions about breastfeeding research.  I am an RN, IBCLC, but
mainly full-time mom.  I teach breastfeeding classes 3 - 4 times a month.
In the first part of the class we talk about all the great advantages to
breastfeeding.  In one class I had a pediatric resident who said, "well, if
you really look hard at the data it is not convincing.  It is mostly
anecdotal cases where you see breastfeeding really prevents or lessons
illnesses."  I was baffled, but told her and the class that there are
hundreds and hundreds (maybe thousands) of studies that show benefits to the
baby while breastfeeding and after, benefits to women while breastfeeding
and after, and that the AAP even has a statement about how important it is
for children to be breastfed for a year and however long thereafter.  I
don't know  much about research or particular research studies, so I didn't
have the confidence to ask her which studies she was looking at in
particular.  Was there a better way to handle this question?

Anne Nans, RN, IBCLC
Fredericksburg, VA

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