Some of the greatest NON bf supportive doctors I've met are women, just as
Dr. Jack wrote.

 I wouldn't dare asking most of my patients whether they are still
breastfeeding at 15 months - sadly they would think I'm nuts. When I talk
about exclusive bf for 6 months, and continued bf for a year and more, I
often get the "but I'm so tied down" response. Sometimes I tell them I have
4 kids, all of them nursed no less than 18 months (the youngest still
nursing at 4 yrs), I went back to part time work at 3 months, and full time
a 7-8 months, but this usually labels me as a fanatic (or lunatic...).

It's not easy to change cultural norms, like "breastfeeding is for small
babies, you couldn't possibly bf a walking talking toddler"

Mira Leibovich, MD



>Just wanted with an allergist for my son Timothy, who is still
>nursing at 15 months.  The Dr. asked me if I was still breastfeeding
>him, and when I replied "yes" she said, "well, good for you".  I was
>surprised and she went on to relate that she nursed her son for over two
>years and thought it was great that I was nursing and planning on
>continuing.
>
>It's great to have a female Dr.!
>
>Warmly,
>
>Anne Andis
>
>I would not say it is always a given that a female doctor is more
>supportive of breastfeeding.  (Please understand that the following is
>a real generalization).  My impression is that most male doctors
>really are lukewarm with regard to breastfeeding, with a few being
>really supportive, and a few being really negative.  I find that
>female physicians are far more polarized, either being very pro, or
>very negative.  Probably has to do with their own experiences, no?
>
>Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC
>