Monday, January 29 must have been a day for hearing the absurdities of
physicians who are working with breastfeeding mothers.  Here's some of what
I heard yesterday:

1)"I will not prescribe Diflucan for you when you are breastfeeding. Your
nipples look fine to me.  If they are so sore, just wean."

2)"Your baby has gained well these two weeks, but he is so active and alert
he will use up all of his calories.  You need to give him formula
supplement or he will stop growing.  Also he needs to take PolyViSol with
iron because your milk doesn't have everything he needs.  Also get some
triglycerides [Don't know if there was a prescription or mom was to just go
find some.] because your breastmilk doesn't have the kind of fats for
optimal growth."

3)"Your 33-week baby needs formula because, even though he gained 3 ounces
in 2 days on breastmilk, he needs to gain more because he is so small. (5#
9oz.)"

4) "Your baby is so big you will need to supplement him because you won't
be able to meet his needs."

5)"If your baby won't latch to the left breast you will have to supplement
with formula because no baby can get enough from just one breast. He has
gained this week, but one breast won't keep up with his needs."

6) From the doctor who 2 weeks earlier gave abx to an infant with a cold,
"I can't treat him for thrush because I don't want to give a medication
until I am sure that it is needed. If your nipples are sore you can pump
and give your milk in a bottle."

7) Mother tells me, "I stopped breastfeeding my first baby because he was
tongue tied and I couldn't stand the pain past 3 months. I was advised by
the lactation educator at the hospital to have it clipped, but the doctor
said that she didn't ever recommend that.  It would stretch out after a
while. He is 2 now and is still very tongue tied and has a hard time talking."

8) You have to start solids at 4 months or your baby will not learn to eat.

9) You mustn't feed your infant (of 2 weeks) more frequently than 2 hours
or she will become a snacker and not eat full meals.

This was just one day.

I feel so sorry for these mothers.  They have read and heard that it is
best for their babies to breastfeed but their medical contacts are
thwarting them at every turn. The patients are having to lead. What good
are the great articles in peer-reviewed journals?

I understand that my population is skewed and I understand that the
patients of the knowledgeable physicians don't have to call me (unless it
is to work on increasing a milk supply or get a baby to latch).

I was very tired last night.

Pat Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin



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