Criteria for Breastfeeding Referral
Referral to a Medical Doctor
- Breast infections (temperature above 101 degrees, possibly along with localized redness and heat and/or plugged duct symptoms of localized pain and firmness)
- Slow weight gain of infant (as perceived by mother)
- Jaundiced infant (yellowish tinge to skin as perceived by mother)
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers in 24 hours for infants from 4 days to 4 months old
- Fewer than 3 stools in 24 hours for infants from 4 days to 3 weeks of age
Referral to a Lactation Consultant
Make referrals through Breastfeeding Warm Lines or Lactation Consultants in Private Practice.
* Medication information on breastfeeding is available in the resource guide “Medication and Mothers’ Milk” by Thomas Hale, PhD, 2010 (14th Edition) or through the links provided on our healthcare provider Medications & Breastfeeding page.
- Sore nipples
- Plugged ducts (localized pain and firmness)
- Premature infants
- Sick or hospitalized mother or infant
- Infants who refuse to nurse
- Infants with special health care needs (i.e., developmental disorder)
- Mothers on medications*
* Medication information on breastfeeding is available in the resource guide “Medication and Mothers’ Milk” by Thomas Hale, PhD, 2010 (14th Edition) or through the links provided on our healthcare provider Medications & Breastfeeding page.
Developed by the Physicians’ Committee for Breastfeeding in Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Breastfeeding Coalition.
