Pediatricians and Breastfeeding Promotion: Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices

Abstract

This study investigated both the degree to which pediatricians promote breastfeeding in their practices, and the attitudes and beliefs about breastfeeding which are associated with their breastfeeding promotion activities. We interviewed a sample of 59 pediatricians from a large urban area who had a variety of practice types and differing patient populations. Almost one half of the pediatricians in this study reported they did not routinely recommend breastfeeding to the mothers of their patients. In addition, few specific interventions to assist in breastfeeding continuation were reported. However, the overwhelming majority of pediatricians sampled reported very favorable attitudes toward breastfeeding promotion by pediatricians. Infrequent prenatal pediatric visits and the lack of formal training in breastfeeding and its management are discussed as potential barriers to more active participation of pediatricians in current efforts to achieve increased rates of breastfeeding.