Pediatricians and Breastfeeding

It seems that fewer and fewer pediatricians these days are pushing breastfeeding.  According to a follow-up study (the original one was done in 1995) in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine pediatricians are less likely to believe that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh other factors like difficulties and inconvenience.  On top of that, fewer doctors believe that all mothers can succeed.  One promising finding: those who did recommend breastfeeding, recommended doing it exclusively.  The study's authors conclude, "Although pediatricians seem better prepared to support breastfeeding, their attitudes and commitment have deteriorated."  Given the increase in programs devoted to breastfeeding, and the fact that more Americans are doing it, the researchers expected to find the opposite.

As I read this I found myself somewhat conflicted about the results.  Breastfeeding is best.  I truly believe that.  If I didn't, I wouldn't have bothered with both of my children.  So on one hand, I find it concerning that fewer doctors are promoting it.  If it's out of ignorance that pediatricians aren't recommending breastfeeding ( and there's some evidence to support that), then that's a problem. 

But, on the other hand, I found myself somewhat impressed that doctors are less inclined to believe that that the benefits outweigh other mitigating factors.  Perhaps it's a sign that they're taking several things into consideration while supporting the mother and her choice of feeding.  Maybe it's because they realize that a mother is the one who knows what's best for her and her familiy and that what works for one might not work for another.  And, maybe it's also an acknowledgement that not all bodies are created equal.