>Date:    Wed, 27 Dec 1995 14:12:03 EST
>From:    Mary Ann Brehmer <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: another question
>
>Thanks to all you lactnetters for your info on hair loss!  I got more than I
>thought I would get.  I do have another problem.  I work with some great
>pediatricians at our hospital but I have one who will not support
breastfeeding.
>If the mother is having a problem with the baby not having  many stools  or the
>baby is not latching on well She announces to the mother" you don't have any
>milk any way so give the baby a bottle."  Some of our mothers are very
young and
>nervous about breastfeeding  so this can't but  make it more difficult for
them.
>I tried talking to her but she turns a deaf ear.  I have sent her
information on
>breastfeeding also .   My unit Manager wants me to talk to the O..B. that
>recommends the Peds to follow the babies after delivery and request that He
>recommend only the bottle-feeders to her.  Would this be ethically right?  I
>want to do something pretty soon.
> Thanks again,
>Mary Ann Brehmer,RN IBCLC
>
Dear Mary Ann,

I think it will best serve the BF mothers if you do recommend that a
non-supportive
pediatrician only be referred bottle-feeders.  I do, however, have two
worries with
this course of action:  1.)  An angry physician is not good for ones career, and
2.)  If she isn't exposed to BFing mothers, how will she learn to support
it?  For
the short term, it's probably necessary, but for the long term, referring
well-prepared BFers to her and continuing to closely support them may train her
to also support it.

Jonathan