At a recent local task force meeting, a pediatrician in attendance expressed frustration that she often see patients in the hospital who had planned to breastfeed, but had already decided to stop because it was more difficult than they had expected.

The 2011 Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding identified lack of knowledge as a barrier to breastfeeding, and stated:

"incongruity between expectations about breastfeeding and the reality of the mother's early experiences with breastfeeding her infant has been identified as a key reason that many mothers stop breastfeeding within the first two weeks postpartum."

then it also states:

"On the other hand, a misperception that many women experience difficulties with breastfeeding may cause excessive concern among mothers about its feasibility."

I work in a WIC clinic, so my biggest impact is in educating moms prenatally.  I would love to hear what others have done to help give moms a realistic expectation of breastfeeding initiation, but without unnecessarily frightening them.

Julie Conaway, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Public Health Nurse/Breastfeeding Coordinator/MCH Coordinator

200 N. Main St., Suite G-51 | Rolla, MO 65401
p. 573-458-6010 | tfp. 800-301-4942 | f. 573-458-6060
phelpscountyhealth.com

[cid:image001.png@01D297F4.52CAC300]

The information contained in this message and any attached document is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the designated recipient(s). If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient (or the agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any unauthorized distribution or copying of this email and its contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to this email at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> and then delete the message from your computer. The Phelps/Maries County Health Department is not responsible for errors or omissions in this email. Any personal comments made do not necessarily reflect the views of the Phelps/Maries County Health Department.


             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome