*Some* doctors (none of those on Lactnet, of course!) can make the most
outspoken and secure mother cower and question what she knows to be best for
 her baby.  Such doctors use the term "orders" in the military sense!

A LLLL was told by her ped that her baby's jaundice could indicate a fatal
liver disorder and that she was negligent if she didn't offer formula...in
order to diagnose breast milk jaundice.  He even called her husband at work!
(This was a thriving 11-plus-pound baby.) Another doctor "fired" a mother
(by registered letter) as a patient when she continued to breastfeed her
baby with a possible heart defect.  She (the doctor) wanted formula given in
order to measure baby's intake.  (This baby was also thriving...the doctor
had heard a heart murmur...mother followed all other instructions,
including following up with a specialist.)

Both moms--strong women--"caved in" temporarily, giving one bottle of
formula, before coming to their senses.

Doctors like this don't get educated because most women--even those who in
all other situtions "have a voice"--don't/can't stand up to them.  They
simply lie about what they're doing--if only by omission--when it is
"against doctor's orders."  In a small town there isn't much choice in
health care providers.  And if a couple of breastfeeding "fanatics" leave
their practice, it just makes it easier for them to continue their
intimidating ways...sigh.


Anne Cook, MS, LLLL

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