I've encountered a situation at our hospital, and I'd love your collective 
wisdom on how best to handle it.  A little history to explain the scenario 
first.  A few years ago, when I was in the nursery, a pediatrician was making 
rounds with her medical students in tow.  She was explaining breastfeeding to them, 
and giving poor information.  One comment she made was 'anyone with breast 
buds, given nipple stimulation, could breastfeed. - babies included.' She went 
on to say that men could breastfeed if they were willing to pump.  Now, I 
wasn't invited in on the conversation, so I tried to keep my frustration to myself. 
The nurse kept watching me for a reaction, but I offered none. Later, we were 
discussing it and a neonatologist overheard our conversation. He was outraged 
that someone would provide such poor information. He requested the Dr's name, 
which I supplied and the conversation ended. I thought that would be the end 
of it.  Later, when I'd pass him in the hallways, or nursery, he would make a 
joke of it, and I let it pass. Now, however, whenever he sees me, he asks if 
I've helped any men to breastfeed. I let it roll off my back, saying I'll let 
him research it.  

However, today was the third time, at least, that he introduced me to a new 
doctor on staff, by telling him I am one of the 'breastfeeding experts' at the 
hospital and that I help men to breastfeed. I try to stay professional, and 
correct him saying I do no such thing. This leaves the new doctor confused and 
as uncomfortable as I feel.  

I do want to say, this neonatologist and I have an otherwise professional 
working relationship. He holds a different religious belief than I do, and knows 
that I understand and respect his beliefs. I will offer to enter the room 
ahead of him to cover a nursing mother and/or stay in the room if he'd like. He's 
also quite comfortable asking me to do so. 

I also want to add, that I do not believe he is, in any way, meaning this as 
a form of sexual harassment. I do, however, feel that it is an attempt to make 
me look less intelligent and less professional.

I'm looking for a way to discreetly and professionally stop these comments 
and inappropriate behavior. I don't want to make a big deal of it, and have 
tried joking it off, saying that's not true etc. I feel that the comments, whether 
intentional or not, are unprofessional, degrading, and attempt to make me 
look less than professional.  Any suggestions on how to put an end to this 
behavior, without having a major disagreement? I'd like to keep (or maybe it's more 
accurate to say I'd like to establish) a nice working relationship with him, 
but want equal respect as well.  If nothing else, I do feel a bit better for 
having vented my frustration. Susan Manore, IBCLC, LLLL

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