Lactation

All ACP primary care providers are trained in lactation support services. For those families with specialized needs, ACP can schedule you with our Certified Lactation Consultant or we can help coordinate lactation services outside of our clinic as needed. See below for more information on ACP’s approach to Lactation services.

  • Children who are breastfed experience improved dental health and neurodevelopmental outcomes. They have decreased risk of:

    • Otitis media

    • Diarrhea

    • Respiratory tract infection

    • Necrotizing enterocolitis

    • SIDS

    • Atopic dermatitis

    • Asthma

    • Celiac Disease

    • Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis

    • Late-onset sepsis in preterm infants

    • Type 1 and type 2 diabetes

    • Leukemia

    • Childhood overweight and obesity

  • There are also maternal health benefits to breastfeeding such as decreased risk of the following:

    • Decreased excessive menstrual blood loss

    • Breast, ovarian, endometrial and thyroid cancers

    • Hypertension

    • Type 2 diabetes

    • Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Note that the above benefits include those for which the strongest evidence exists but are not all-inclusive. Breastfeeding is also a great benefit to the environment and society. Breastfeeding families are sick less often and the parents miss less work. It does not require the use of energy for manufacturing or create waste or air pollution. There is no risk of contamination and breast milk is always available, at the right temperature and ready to feed, even in the case of emergency situations, such as natural disasters.

  • Pediatric providers can play a key role in promoting breastfeeding and supporting families. We can:

    • Assist families in making an informed decision about infant feeding by proactively discussing the benefits of breastfeeding

    • Know how to assess adequacy of breastfeeding and manage common breastfeeding problems

    • Know the local resources available to you

    • Provide support and guidance to women who wish to return to work or school while breastfeeding