> Mom is 17 year old, doing very well breastfeeding her 6 month old baby.
> Baby is 20 lbs and in the 90%  for ht & wt.   Babys hemoglobin is 10.

...doctor says.....breastfeeding is good BUT
> other food is more important.....feed 3 meals a day....give
vitamins...cut
> down on nursing.

How frustrating.  Your daughter is doing a wonderful job and the doc
undermines her confidence and gives "questionable advice" as well - must
have been a  "2 for the price of one" special at the peds that day.

That certainly isn't what I would have told her.  Given that the physical
exam was ok, I'd have said you're doing a great job, keep offering
appropriate foods - I'd have discussed items babies choke on - and OFFER
food at the 3 mealtimes a day that the family eats because this social
eating/gathering time is important in our culture.  Offer "good" foods not
candy chips and soda - [worth mentioning because with many teens I take
care of these are frequent foods consumed.]

One of my first instincts was to fire off a response saying - get a new ped
- but in reality this may be a further step away from breastfeeding
supportive advice. Some docs are inconsistant with their advice to begin
with and here's a question I'd like an answer to:

How is a mom to know what docs are supportive and informed about
breastfeeding?

I know from a doc standpoint by what  they say in private...

And  here's a thought for you on "advice" on non-health matters.  They are
largely a matter of personal values and opinion along with a bit of medical
folklore thrown in.  If you don't want a doc's opinion don't ask.  If you
are struggling with a decision or a problem regarding an issue and trust
your doc - pose the question and listen, and if the answer doesn't make
sense either for the situation or based on the type of parenting style you
chose to practice then ask politely on what sources the info was based.
You will learn more about your options [and your doc] this way.  If you
respond with "I'm not really comfortable with your suggestion to let the
baby "cry it out" when  it's clear he's tired and needs to sleep - what
other options have worked for parents in your practice?" you may get a
second suggestion that fits you better.  And your doc will get a better
idea about what kind of parenting you practice.

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