A mom called me frantic because her milk has just disappeared. Baby is 3
months old...started to seem like less and less milk just a month ago. My
first question...Did you start taking oral contraceptives? "Oh, yes, of course,
my doctor put me on them at my check up." Lovely....did he ask her if she
was breastfeeding? Nope. Did he assume she was brastfeeding? Nope. I know
mom could have offered the information, but remember not all mothers 'talk' to
their docs, most just obey. Her assumption: He told me to take these, I
had to. He put her on Estrostep.
When she called him a couple of weeks ago as she started to notice the
supply dropping...fussy baby, feeding more often, not happy at the breast as he
was, etc. his answer: "Well, you know, many of my patients stop producing
milk after 45 days, so not all women can make milk for very long." Okay, did I
scream, no, but I did need to close my eyes and take a deep breath and force
myself to remain calm and professional. Can I tell you I am putting together
some lovely information to mail him so he can figure out why 'his' patients
seem to lose their milk so quickly.
I just don't get it. Some things are just such basic knowledge about
reproduction and lactation. I don't understand how this happens. He is a doctor,
he should ask questions. He should know his population likely doesn't feel
comfortable sharing information and should ask for details himself. Health
care providers caring for women of childbearing years and especially those early
postpartum should always ask the question. "Are you breastfeeding or
pregnant?" before prescribing anything. This is just common sense.
This poor mother is devastated! She is enjoying breastfeeding and can't
believe he gave her anything that would cause her to lose her milk. I had to
tell her why her milk disappeared. What I also want to tell her though is how
long it will take to come back. I could go search the archives, but needed
to vent anyway so thought I would just ask.
Best,
Pam MazzellaDiBosco, IBCLC, RLC
Davie, FL
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