There are three new studies that I have skimmed, all pointing to the  
importance of breastfeeding support provided by lactation consultants. Research  has 
shown that pamphlets and videos cannot replace face-to-face skilled help in  
overcoming obstacles to continued breastfeeding. These studies demonstrated the 
 efficacy of the use of lactation consultants to address issues such as sore  
nipples, insufficient milk, and infants having difficulty breastfeeding which 
 accounted for the major reasons for abandoning breastfeeding. I think these  
studies may help us point out to hospitals and policy makers how important it 
is  to fund and utilize breastfeeding experts for providing lactation care 
and  services.
 
Two of the studies are in the December issue of Pediatrics:
 
Ahluwalia IB, Morrow B, Hsia J. Why do women stop breastfeeding? Findings  
from the pregnancy risk assessment and monitoring system. Pediatrics 2005;  
116:1408-1412
 
Bonuck KA, Trombley M, Freeman K, McKee D. Randomized, controlled trial of  a 
prenatal and postnatal lactation consultant intervention on duration and  
intensity of breastfeeding up to 12 months. Pediatrics 2005; 116:1413-1426
 
Schlickau J, Wilson M. Development and testing of a prenatal breastfeeding  
education intervention for Hispanic women. J Perinatal Education 2005;  14:24-35
 
Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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