“But I don’t do maternity” – physicians and breastfeeding

Is it safe for a breastfeeding woman to have a CT scan? To have anaesthetic? Take a prescribed medication? These are frequent questions in the health care setting, and there are lots of myths and misunderstandings, which can lead to women receiving conflicting answers and advice. As Vancouver Coastal Health works toward its goal of Baby Friendly by the end of 2015, we have been working hard to engage and provide education for physicians working in Vancouver health. Physicians are a diverse group, from community family physicians to surgeons to radiologists, which has required a multifaceted approach to education.

We are excited to have partnered with the UBC Department of Continuing Professional Development to develop two online physician modules. Physicians are eligible for CME credit withe both courses. The first is a quick review of BFI designed for all physicians working in a hospital setting, with limited exposure to pregnant and breastfeeding women, from the emergency room to surgeons, psychiatrists and hospitalists. It can be found here.

The second is a more comprehensive online module, designed for community family physicians who do not provide intrapartum maternity care. UBC tells us they are being well received to date and we are working now to integrate the modules into practice.