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A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
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Pediatricians and the promotion and support of breastfeeding

Lori B Feldman-Winter1, Richard J Schanler, Karen G O'Connor

  • 1Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cooper University Hospital, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden, NJ 08103, USA. winterlb@umdnj.edu

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|December 3, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pediatrician attitudes toward breastfeeding have declined since 1995, with fewer believing in its benefits. However, more recommend exclusive breastfeeding and supportive policies, especially those with personal experience.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric medicine
  • Public health
  • Lactation science

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health and development.
  • Pediatrician knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) significantly influence breastfeeding support.
  • Previous studies have assessed pediatrician KAP, highlighting the need for updated data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess current pediatrician KAP regarding breastfeeding.
  • To compare 2004 findings with a 1995 survey to identify trends.
  • To evaluate the impact of personal breastfeeding experience on professional practices.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional follow-up survey was conducted.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics' Periodic Survey of Fellows was utilized.
  • 875 pediatrician members completed the survey between November 2003 and May 2004.

Main Results:

  • Pediatricians were less likely to believe breastfeeding benefits outweigh difficulties (aOR=0.60) and that mothers can succeed.
  • More pediatricians recommended against breastfeeding and reported reasons for it.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding recommendations (aOR=1.55) and supportive hospital policies increased.
  • Personal breastfeeding experience correlated with higher likelihood of recommending supportive policies (aOR=2.3).

Conclusions:

  • Pediatrician attitudes and commitment to breastfeeding appear to have declined.
  • Despite attitude shifts, practices like recommending exclusive breastfeeding and supportive policies have improved.
  • Personal breastfeeding experience positively influences pediatrician attitudes and practices, mitigating negative trends.
Abstract

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