Just to clarify - in the UK a GP is a general practitioner, sometimes
called a family doctor.  S/he is a fully qualified doctor who has done
extra training in general practice (can't be sure how long - a year, I
think) after the usual year or more as an SHO - senior house officer, which
is in fact a junior doctor in hospital.

They are then required to do some in service throughout their career.

They are self-employed, paid by the health service.

Everyone (except some of the homeless and rootless) in the UK is registered
with  a GP, and your GP is your gateway to other specialists. Your GP
normally has to refer you to another doctor if you need specialist input.
Most families will all have the same GP.

They are in touch with mothers with bf babies, but it is widely agreed that
GPs have not been reached very well by the recent (last 20 years) emphasis
on how to best support bf. They vary a great deal.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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