I also regularly, especially in the nursery and at the two week, six month and one year visit, ask about the mother's long term breastfeeding plans. Does she want to continue until her baby is a year old as per the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations (this also gives me a chance to let her know about this recommendation)? Does she want to continue to breastfeed her toddler? Many people don't recognize that the one year recommendation of the AAP is more a minimum and not a recommendation to wean or not breastfeed your toddler. The AAP policy statement on Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk actually states 'It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired,' and that 'there is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding.'
You may think it doesn't matter if your Pediatrician is supportive of breastfeeding since you can get information and advice elsewhere, including from a lactation consultant or friends and family members, but you should still have a doctor on your side to watch out for, prevent and treat more serious problems, such as dehydration, excessive weight loss, serious jaundice, etc. Simply ignoring your Pediatrician's advice because you think he or she is not being supportive of your breastfeeding can be dangerous in some situations. If you are having problems and don't feel your doctor is being supportive, then you can always ask if you can have an evaluation by a lactation specialist and a recheck in your doctor's office the next day.
