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Thu, 15 Apr 1999 12:10:08 -0400 |
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A recent correspondent described a situation in which a mother who is
breastfeeding 14 month old twins and has no menses was told by her
doctor that she is a high risk of osteoporosis. So the LC has asked
LactNet if there are any reliable studies that show permanent loss of
bone density with protracted lactation ammenorrhea. That's a good
question, and I hope others can answer it.
But would it not also be helpful to educate mothers to ask their
doctor the responsive question? Maybe we could help them practice, if
need be.
"Doctor, that is something I had not thought of, and I would really
like to track down the articles that have given you that information.
If you don't have them on hand, will please give me the references?
I'll get them through interlibrary loan and discuss them with my
family. I don't want to make this decision until we all understand
much better just what the science is."
The medical professional is reminded of his/her responsibility to
provide the client with the scientific basis for a recommendation, if
requested. It is wonderful that this mother also has a Lactation
Consultant to strengthen her, and to help her and her family
understand the articles if necessary. But the mother's own skills at
being treated respectfully by the health care system will be further
developed if she can telephone the doctor herself and make the request
for fuller scientific information direct to him or her.
Many doctors were trained to limit the information that they give so
as not to overload the person who really does not want to know all the
nitty gritty. But most of them are also pleased to respond more fully
to people who request more information -- and it sounds as if this
mother of twins is in that category. She may not yet realise that she
is totally within her rights, and not being rude, to ask the doctor to
lend her or tell her how to get the key articles from which his/her
recommendation is derived. If she does this once, she will be
stronger forever in dealing collaboratively with not only this doctor
but with all kinds of systems and authorities.
Best of luck in keeping these twins and mother going, and growing!
Helen Armstrong IBCLC
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