"But she really would like to start her weekly allergy shots again, and of
course the doc says she can't until she is finished BF...Aren't allergy
shots OK?  Where can I find info for her to show her doc?"--Patricia
Bucknell

It's important to insist that when an MD comes up with a prohibition against
breastfeeding, that the burden of proof is on him.  He must state by what
mechanism the proposed treatment would endanger the child, and give a
reasonable estimate of the risks involved in administering or withholding
treatment. 

To give an unreasonable or false estimate of risk, such as the doctor who
claims a herpes infection in childhood carries the same risk as a neonatal
herpes infection, is an example of poor patient care.

Given the urgency of the situation, she should ask that he provide his proof
so that she can review the literature supporting his point of view before
her next scheduled allergy shot, which should be very soon.

It's improper for her physician to withhold treatment which has been shown
to markedly improve her health outcome and quality of life unless he can
show good cause why failing to treat the mother would benefit her child.  

In order for a physician to be able to justify his claim to being
conservative in medical care in order to protect patient safety, he has to
demonstrate that he has actually thought the matter through.  He has
resources and is professionally and morally obligated to make use of them.

Arly Helm, MS, IBCLC

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