A GP guide to breastfeeding complications

Breastfeeding doesn’t always go to plan. Part two in our special feature on breastfeeding looks at common presentations that can be managed by GPs.

When breastfeeding problems occur, it is not uncommon for a maternal child health nurse or lactation consultant to refer the mother to her GP ‘for a script’ — whether it be to treat ‘nipple thrush’ or for a galactagogue to increase milk supply.

GPs are well placed to address breastfeeding challenges. Unfortunately, however, breastfeeding medicine is not a topic that is explored in great depth during medical school or GP training.