Dear listeners,
Although breastfeeding initiation rates in Canada remain among the highest in the world, maintaining exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months continues to be a major challenge. In this episode, pediatrician and lactation consultant Dr. Rajinder Gulati joins us to unpack why so many mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended and what healthcare systems can do differently.
We discuss the striking regional differences across Canada, including why British Columbia consistently outperforms other provinces, and explore what lessons can be learned from both successful provincial programs and immigrant communities, whose breastfeeding outcomes often exceed those of Canadian-born mothers.
Dr. Gulati explains why “not enough breast milk” is one of the most commonly reported reasons for stopping breastfeeding—and why true low milk supply is far less common than many people believe. We also examine the importance of early lactation support, healthcare provider training, family and workplace support, and addressing the socioeconomic barriers that disproportionately affect vulnerable families.
Finally, Dr. Gulati shares the evidence-based interventions he believes would have the greatest impact if adopted by health leaders across Canada, from expanding access to skilled lactation support to creating policies that enable mothers to continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose.
Listen to the full podcast episode here.
Cheers,
Dr. Dimitre