In a message dated 10/12/03 8:07:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
I have a mom I am working with who has been told by her OB/GYN to immed stop
bfing her 2 month old daughter.  Mom has had problems with "prolapsed bladder"
that he says is CAUSED by bfing.  He states the high levels of estrogen due
to bfing has "weakened all her body tissues" and is causing bladder to weaken.
States she will need surgery soon and it will be difficult to do if still
bfing.
Is he just mistaking the fact that while bfing her estrogen levels are lower
than normal?  Or are low estrogen levels the problem he is talking about?
I appreciate any thoughts.  Thank you
Dearest Hardworking and Dedicated Friends:
    Yes there are low estrogen levels during lactation. But that is NOT the
cause of bladder prolapse or seizures or ingrown toenails or any other
condition. Mothers who are lactating can  have concomitant medical or surgical
conditions that have NOTHING to do with breastfeeding. "Weakened all her body
tissues" indeed!! Some healthcare professionals will ascribe any medical or surgical
condition to lactation. This makes  me furious.
    How ignorant can some people be? I had a mother who had been taking
Tegretol (compatible with BF according to the AAP) for 20 years. She has been
nursing well; had a petit mal seizure after 2 months of lactation. Her OB told her
that the baby was sucking all the medication out of her her via the milk and
she should wean. So she has.
    Dr. Jack Newman has often spoken about breastfeeding being sacrificed on
the altar of ignorance. Sounds like another instance of that here.
    I am so sick of all this type of reaction on the part of healthcare
professionals.
    warmly,
Nikki Lee RN, MS, Mother of 2, IBCLC, CIMI, CCE, craniosacral therapy
Adjunct faculty, Union Institute and University, Maternal and Child Health:
Lactation Consulting
Supporting the WHO Code and the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative

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