On Tue, 18 Apr 2006 14:18:49 -0700, Jeanette Panchula wrote:  "BUT the
doctor, seeing how well things had gone - told her to LET THE BABIES SLEEP
AND NOT AWAKEN THEM AT NIGHT! (yes, I'm shouting!!)

Luckily (or if you are a believer ... then Thank God) mom had a clear
understanding of WHY her kids were doing so well - and stated she was going
to continue to awaken them, feed them, kangaroo care them when possible...."



Jeanette, unfortunately, this is not unusual.  A few years ago, I had a
similar situation:  I saw a premie who was not feeding well and recommended
supplementing until the baby gained some weight and breastfed better, and
the mom brought her supply back up.  The pediatrician told mom not to listen
because the baby's family came from Africa and they knew how to breastfeed
in her country; however, she (the MD) did not realize that being born in an
American hospital presented unique challenges for achieving what is normal
in birth and breastfeeding.  The parents were scared and followed the MD's
advice; the baby ended up being exclusively bottle fed with artificial baby
milk.being from Africa did not prevent the iatrogenic problem.

I know I'm preaching to the choir but I need to vent:  Physicians,
especially pediatricians, need better education regarding infant feeding.
They are not taught what is normal (ie, breastfeeding) nor how it occurs
safely.  It is very frustrating and scary to think/know that they cause
situations that are hazardous; they increase mortality and morbidity.  Often
they don't want to hear from non-MDs or, many times, even from MDs, about
the correct information.  There does not seem to be an easy answer and they
are hurting not only the parents but, most of all, the babies.  I have not
heard from thousands of IBCLCs nor breastfeeding
conferences/workshops/organizations any ideas that work to solve this
dilemma immediately.  We all seem to be in the same boat:  Fight valiantly
to undo the harm and TRY to change the system without being fired/losing
referrals.  GOD HELP US and, most of all, those poor babies and parents!

Lee Galasso, MS, IBCLC, RLC




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