Lactation consultants can boost breastfeeding

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Having access to even a few hours with a professional specially trained to help women breastfeed may raise the number of women who start breastfeeding and stick with it, according to a new study. Lactation consultants are certified through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and may work in hospitals, offices or public health programs. Women in the new study who spent an average total of three hours with a lactation consultant were almost three times more likely to start breastfeeding their newborns and to still be breastfeeding three months later. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive...