Thanks everyone who has responded to my query.  I finally managed to 
get hold of my IBCLC friend Jean (thanks Jean)!

She explained to me that while what I was taught was what was being 
taught when I qualified (a very, very long time ago) much has changed 
since then.

When I qualified, breast pumps were unheard of except in hospitals, 
and so breastfeeding moms seldom bottle-fed except when comping 
with formula.

She said later the 6 weeks recommendation was set as it is the earliest 
time that we can hope that nipple confusion won't occur.  She said it 
was done because today's moms are wanting to come home from the 
hospital and start pumping from week one, so that dads can give the 
bottles at night, etc.  She said that to prevent that, they are 
recommending delaying manual or pump expression till 6 weeks.

Her comment was, "Ideally in the first 6 to 8 weeks, while the milk 
supply is being well established, all sucking should take place at the 
breast.  If you are planning to express to give the occasional bottle, 
waiting till the milk supply is well established is a good idea".  She said 
she has found if she can keep the baby on the breast alone for those 6 
to 8 weeks, most moms lose the urge to express so that the dad can 
give feeds, so it often isn't a problem.  Thanks Jean!

I haven't managed to make contact with the IBCLC who is checking this 
girl, but her qualifications are impecable.  She is a mother, an IBCLC, a 
LLLL and a medical doctor.  My concern was that this girl might not be 
asking for or accepting her advice (based on the 6 weeks issue) but 
Jean assures me that it is now standard advice.  So I am somewhat 
reasurred.

The connections to the site of the local parenting "guru" (who has no 
formal breastfeeding qualifications) is of concern, as she sometimes 
puts out strange advice, but I doubt if the writer ran this past her 
advisor. Anyway, I have pointed it out to her.  It's all I can do...

Thank you so much everyone who responded.  

Warm wishes,
Pat

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