Most parents assume that finding a doctor who is supportive of breastfeeding will be an easy task; after all, the medical field applauds the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies.  Unfortunately, other than very basic knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding, this topic is sadly overlooked in medical education.  Unless physicians receive extra education on breastfeeding, as well as make a commitment to spend time with breastfeeding dyads, they may not be as supportive as breastfeeding as one would hope.

So how do you know if your doctor is truly supportive of your breastfeeding goals?  Let’s look at the big five–GROWTH, SLEEP, SOLIDS, MEDICATIONS, and VIBES.

GROWTH

Did you know it’s normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first few days after birth?  Your doctor should!  Your doctor should also know that exclusively breastfed babies grow differently than their formula fed counterparts. In the first…