Gail, I thought your description of how you share information with parents
was terrific. It reminded me of an experience I had with my youngest child.
He developed asthma at four months (I also have very severe asthma) and the
specialist I saw wanted to have him put in the hospital for a week for
testing and to try out medications. I pointed out that I was breastfeeding
and had three other young children, so this would be very difficult. He
suggested I wean, as he'd "breastfed long enough anyway" and it would be too
hard on me to continue with this baby's health problems.

As you've probably guessed, I didn't wean - in fact he nursed until he was
almost five. The doctor saw him periodically, and finally when he was about
two told me "I have never seen a young infant diagnosed with asthma who has
done as well as this child. Frankly, I can only attribute it to the
breastfeeding. And I should tell you that it's changed the advice I give to
other patients."

That meant a great deal to me, and you can bet it was a message I passed on
to other mothers.

Teresa Pitman
Guelph, Ontario

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