I wish I didn't have to rely on Google to help me breastfeed | Rachel Rose Hartman

Women who have little to no lactation support turn to the search engine for advice. That is not sustainable

Amid a widespread “breast is best” campaign, why is it that the first and often only lactation support stop for many women is an array of free websites? We learn from the web about breastfeeding drug interactions (I can take Sudafed, right?), answer milk storage questions (how long can I leave fresh breastmilk out before refrigerating?) and read about feeding problems (why does my baby make a clicking sound when he eats?) and more. These sites shouldn’t have to fill the gap left by traditional healthcare providers who are either too expensive or unhelpful. But they do.

I was reminded of this when I woke one recent morning to a painful, red lump on my breast. I was still breastfeeding my five-month-old, so my first stop was his pediatrician, where the practice had recently added an insurance-covered lactation consultant.

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