Invited Commentary

Commentary on “Pediatricians’, Obstetricians’, Gynecologists’, and Family Medicine Physicians’ Experiences with and Attitudes about Breast-Feeding”

Authors: Ellen Dees, MD, Courtney E. Gutman, MD

Abstract

In this issue, Anchondo et al present their study of physicians’ experiences with and attitudes about breast-feeding.1 The study was conducted in a US–Mexico border hospital in which breast-feeding rates are particularly low, making this an ideal target institution for intervention. Most strategies for such intervention focus on patients and families; however, Anchondo et al turn the tables and direct our attention to physicians’ attitudes and behaviors. The study is survey based and uses specific behavioral models to identify attitudes about and the experiences of residents and attending physicians in pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and family medicine regarding breast-feeding. Theirs is a pilot study and more data gathering is needed, but the authors have begun to make interesting connections between physicians’ personal experiences with breast-feeding, their attitudes toward breast-feeding, and breast-feeding rates among their patients.1

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References

1. Anchondo I, Berkeley L, Mulla ZD, et al. Pediatricians’, obstetricians’, gynecologists’, and family medicine physicians’ experiences with and attitudes about breast-feeding. South Med J 2012; 105: 243–248.
 
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. Healthy People 2020. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/healthy_people/hp2020.htm. Accessed February 23, 2012.