Janet,

Thanks for sharing that story.  It shows how to educate Dr.s (or other
HCPs) ...  Your approach is what made the difference.  You weren't
defensive - you were calm and informative in a friendly way.
You not only know your information, but have a working understanding that
allowed you to frame the point to be made for the current situation.

Since you were not accusatory or negative when giving the info - you opened
up an avenue for ongoing communication with the new Doc.  Nice work!

You get this week's "Breastfeeding Resource Education Award Surprise Token"
[B.R.E.A.S.T.]
I'll send your choices by private email.

Gail
Gail Hertz, MD
Pediatric Resident
author of the little green breastfeeding book - disclaimer: owner of Pocket
Publications






----------
> From: Janet Simpson <[log in to unmask]>
> To:
> Subject: Teaching Drs...
> Date: Saturday, August 15, 1998 11:08 PM
>
> Hi ALl,
> Had a funny little thing happen at the Doc's last Wed.
> PJ had been running a pretty high temp for 3 days, so I took him in to
see
> if he had an ear infection or something (which he did, as well as a
"puss-y"
> throat, {that is what the doc called it}).  Anyway, he had refused to eat
or
> drink anything from Sunday morning, and as I still have plenty of milk, I
> let him BF as often as he wanted, while still offering him "real food".
;)
> Anyway, the Doc said that he looked really good for a little boy as sick
as
> he was, and he must be drinking plenty as he was well hydrated.  I told
her
> that, in fact he hadn't done anything but BF for 4 days.  She looked at
me
> and then said that I really needed to get him out of that "habit" quick,
> since I didn't want him to be pulling my shirt up out in public and he
was
> old enough to not need that anymore.  I smiled, laughed and said "Before
we
> go any further, let me tell you what I do for a living!"  Then I asked
her
> point blank: "If this child was not being BF and had refused to eat or
drink
> for 4 days, what condition would he be in now?"  She had to acknowledge
that
> he would probably be in the hospital, dehydrated, very ill, etc.  (his
fever
> had been ranging from 102 -104.5, but he was still in good spirits, not
> lethargic, and content to nurse most of the day)
> So I gently told her that it was in her patients best interests to BF
long
> term, especially when illnesses like this happen.  She had to agree!  She
> told me that she had never looked at it in this light, and was very gald
> that I had educated her.  She also asked me for more info, reading
amterial,
> etc.  She will kep us as patients (she was new to our peds office, and we
> will see her from now on) and learn something in the process!  (also, I
can
> understand her!  Our regular Ped is asian with a VERY thick accent and is
> hard to understand at times, but he is very good, and is BF supportive)
> Oh, I also told her that a good remedy for kids who try the shirt pulling
up
> thing when mom doesn't want them to is to say "No, not now, dear.  We'll
> have nursies later."  She liked that one!  Postive discipline without
> needing to wean.
>
> Take it easy!
>
> Jay
>
> who is at least 2 weeks behind in reading...sigh...will I ever catch up?
>
> Jay Simpson, CLE
> Sacramento, CA
> "No Miracles performed here, just a lot of love and hard work."
>