"breastfeeding during immunizations "

Dear Amwell group,

I am writing regarding my recent visit to your practice on February 10th, 2025 at 11am when my 8-week-old received their routine vaccinations.

During the appointment, I asked about breastfeeding during the injection as a way to comfort my baby, but the nurse advised me that there was no evidence supporting its effectiveness in reducing distress. However, based on research from reputable sources, including the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics this statement is incorrect.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that breastfeeding during vaccinations can significantly reduce pain and distress in infants by combining skin-to-skin contact, the soothing effect of sucking, and the analgesic properties of breast milk. A meta-analysis published in Pediatrics (2016) confirmed that breastfeeding during painful procedures, including vaccinations, results in shorter crying durations and lower distress levels compared to no intervention.

Given this strong evidence, I kindly request that the practice review its guidance on this matter and ensure that staff are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding during vaccinations. Supporting parents in using evidence-based comfort measures can help improve the experience for both babies and caregivers.

Thank you for your time, and I appreciate your commitment to providing the best care for families.

Best regards,

Carolina Barajas