Breastfeeding Education for the Family Medicine Provider: Improving Breastfeeding Outcomes

Breastfeeding benefits for mother and baby have been extensively studied. Despite this, early breastfeeding cessation often occurs due to breastfeeding challenges and complications. Support for lactating patients throughout their breastfeeding journey is enhanced when providers can appropriately educate patients and manage common breastfeeding complications. This article reviews breastfeeding benefits and education points on breastfeeding in the newborn stage. It also covers common breastfeeding complications, their presentation, and management strategies. Finally, a discussion on safe medication use for lactating patients is presented