I believe as LCs and IBCLCs, we do take this very seriously, and very
carefully offer options that might include AIM. However, our recommendations
only go so far and most of us don't have prescriptive rights.
If the society to which we're associated believes this to be a small issue,
it will continue to be a small issue. The Viagra issue has been mentioned,
but what about mammography and the inroads made into breast cancer research?
Testicular cancer tests include a blood test and ultrasound after physical
exam. I can't imagine any man allowing his testicles to be smashed between
two glass plates. There is no blood test for breast cancer, and we encourage
women to get mammos frequently, despite them being painful as well as less
than stellar for finding cancers. (not to mention finding someone who is
truly able to read a lactating woman's mammo).
While many people find the thought of warnings on AIM to be offensive, or
even discouraging to women who are truly unable to produce a full supply,
that is part of the road that needs to be traveled. Until society equates
lack of nutrition and health with artificial food, AIM will always be an
"adequate substitute."
We can give the truth until we're blue in the face, but if society refuses
to believe the truths, we, unfortunately remain cheerleaders to the mothers,
encouraging them to not give up in the face of those who truly don't believe
that breastfeeding matters.
Best wishes,
Sam Doak
We're going to Candy Mountain, Charlie!
<<
In a message dated 7/3/2009 4:20:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
if we treated lack of milk supply as a serious issue that needs all the
full force of investigation and treatment that we apply to - say -
erectile
dysfunction - rather than patting women on the back and saying formula is
almost as good and your baby will be fine because I was formula fed and I am
OBVIOUSLY just fine - should we not be able to discuss all options for
moms, if we are truly lactation consultants and not just breastfeeding
cheerleaders?
Jane,
Silly me, I thought this is exactly what IBCLCs would do...I love the
phrase "the full force of investigation and treatment", and that is
exactly
what moms should be able to expect from us as professionals. They can say
no,
but it seems like the expectation for normalcy should always be in place.
Interestingly, the two men I know who use Viagra are both older men, one
with a long drug history and the other a smoker ( therefore both may have
compromised circulatory systems) who simply feel they cannot keep up with
their
lovers...talk about not going with the normal course/consequences of
things. I do know one person who considered it after Prostate surgery
though.
Peace,
Judy>>
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