Pediatricians' practices and attitudes regarding breastfeeding promotion

Objective. Public awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding is expected to increase during and after the national, federally funded Best Start Breast feeding Promotion Campaign. It is anticipated that this will result in more breastfeeding-based interactions between families and pediatricians. The A merican Academy of Pediatrics conducted a survey of its members to identify their educational needs regarding breastfeeding to assist in the design of appropriate information programs. Method. An eight-page, self-administered questionnaire was sent to 1602 act ive Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Results. The response rate was 71%. Breastfeeding, as the exclusive feeding practice for the first month after birth, was recommended by only 65% of r esponding pediatricians; only 37% recommended breastfeeding for 1 year. A m ajority of pediatricians agreed with or had a neutral opinion about the sta tement that breastfeeding and formula-feeding are equally acceptable method s for feeding infants. Reasons given for not recommending breastfeeding inc luded medical conditions with known treatments that did not preclude breast feeding. The majority of pediatricians (72%) were unfamiliar with the conte nts of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. The majority of pediatricians had not attended a presentation on breastfeeding management in the previou s 3 years; most said they wanted more education on breastfeeding management . Conclusion. Pediatricians have significant educational needs in the area of breastfeeding management.