Is the pediatrician the right doctor to ask about breastfeeding issues

Depends on the doctor. A few peds have chosen to educate themselves about BFing issues (they learn comparatively little about it in medical school), & r knowlegable & helpful. Others know almost nothing, & tend to recommend supplementing and/or weaning as the solution to every problem.

If u like ur ped, go ahead & ask. If the answer seems questionable (or involves bottles, schedules, crying, or formula..) ask for a referral to a lactation consultant or give ur local La Leche League chapter a call.

NO! Pediatricians know very little about breastfeeding. Even reading posts here for the past couple of weeks, I have seen SOOOOOOOOO much BAD advice given out by pediatricians. Better to try a lactation consultant, or a local breastfeeding information support group.

I think La Leche League would be better to give you breastfeeding info. It is surprising how little most MD is know about breastfeeding. It would also be a bonus if your La Leche League consultant actually had kids that she is breastfed.

I talked to a lactation consultant & a la leche league leader. In my opinion the LLL is better. Not all lactation consultants have had babies & know what breast feeding is like. The one that I talked to kept referring to books. This was good for information on nutrition & what not, but when I wanted to know about personal experience I could not get it. I talked to an LLL leader & she was so knowledgeable. She has three children & she nursed each one until they weaned themselves. She has experienced it all pretty much. Most LLL leaders have been or r nursing moms themselves. While both r good sources for information, if u want to talk to a mom go the LLL route. Hope this helps.

I would call the hospital where you gave birth and ask them for a lactation consultants number or ask if one of the consultants there could call you.

I would reccomend talking to your local La Leche League or calling the toll free number. These women are highly trained and have lots of experience to go with. Although, I must say my pediatrician knows quite a bit about breastfeeding, but only b/c she has two kids of her own.

No! They know very, very, very little about lactation and the breastfed baby.

You need to contact a certifiec lactation consultant.

http://ilca.org/

Pediatricians may or may not have great information on breastfeeding- they do not get much training on it in medical school.

A lactation consultant would be a better resource- look for one with the IBCLC certification.

Start with the Pediatrician. If he/she does not know the answer they should have the name and number for a Lactation Consultant in your area.