What is Breastfeeding Medicine?
Breastfeeding medicine is a medical specialty focused on the health of breastfeeding (lactating) parents and their babies. It involves preventing, diagnosing, and treating medical issues related to lactation, while supporting families in meeting their feeding goals.
Healthcare professionals who practice breastfeeding medicine may include nurse practitioners, medical professionals (such as pediatricians, family medicine doctors, obstetricians/gynecologists, or specialists with additional training), and other clinicians with expertise training in lactation.
Common issues addressed in breastfeeding medicine include:
- Difficulty with infant latch or milk transfer
- Low milk supply or concerns about oversupply
- Nipple pain, cracks, or trauma
- Breast infections such as Mastitis
- Blocked milk ducts
- Breast engorgement
- Tongue-tie or other infant feeding challenges
- Questions about breastfeeding while taking medications
- Breastfeeding after premature birth or when the infant has medical conditions
- Weaning and transitioning to other feeding methods
Breastfeeding medicine also includes:
- Assessing infant growth and ensuring adequate nutrition
- Supporting pumping and milk storage
- Managing breastfeeding for parents with medical conditions
- Providing evidence-based guidance on balancing breastfeeding with work, travel, or other life circumstances
- Managing maternal mental health
The goal is to optimize the health of both the breastfeeding parent and the infant by addressing medical, nutritional, and practical aspects of lactation.
At Arizona Breastfeeding Medicine and Wellness, we specialize in treatment options for the breastfeeding dyad that are specific to the needs of you family. Breastfeeding Medicine is not a one size fits all.
In addition to seeking the IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) credential, Dr. Cara Riek is also part of the IABLE Deep Dive program and was recently accepted into the LILAC Fellowship . She also holds membership with the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.