Are doctors really prepared to encourage breastfeeding? This question, which we have asked ourselves several times in Babies and more, always remains with an inevitable response from the subjectivity of our experiences.
Pediatricians, gynecologists, midwives and nurses are one of the most influential factors in a mother's decision to breastfeed and, above all, her success in doing so. Erroneous advice, lack of knowledge and prejudices are often reported by mothers and fathers, which causes the introduction of bottles for problems of possible solution and even weaning forced by a medication that later turned out to be compatible with breastfeeding.
I have found that in a publication aimed precisely at these professionals, the Medical Journal, a survey is being carried out in this regard and so far, the answers would seem to indicate that the professionals do have the appropriate training, but you have to think that the readers of that page They are precisely doctors. And self-criticism is a scarce virtue.
The truth is that my personal experience and what I gather from my environment makes me think that there are still large gaps in the training on breastfeeding of medical professionals, who, beyond a general statement of intent, do not know how to help mothers do not face difficulties and criticize mothers who breastfeed for more than six months or a year.
Of course, I also know excellent professionals who, in addition to a real commitment to promoting breastfeeding, make a great effort to expand their training in this particular field, becoming true experts.
I would like, inspired by that open survey in the Medical Journal, to ask your opinion on the subject. Do you consider that medical professionals are prepared to promote breastfeeding?
