Last weekend I guess I started the "Dr. bashing" train of conversation when
I had to vent about the doctor who very angrily, condemned me and my
breastfeeding support approach. After her apology to me last monday I did
have time to reflect and will try to use it as a learning experience for
myself.

However I still wonder why breastfeeding discussions always become so heavy
laden with emotion. Is it just a "Motherhood Issue". Usually any other
topic can be discussed quite rationally and with scientific research
attached. Pumping is considered unatural by the doctor I had problems with,
yet she doesn't read the research about formula not being natural at all
and the risks associated with formula.

I am beginning to realize that hard hitting is not the way to go but what
should our approach be? I know that we have made many changes in our
hospital and that I have supported many parents and their breastfed babies
but I feel a sense of panic when I read the research on juevenile diabetes
and not breastfeeding. What is the best way to present this data to
physicians? If I can prevent one child from getting diabetes I will be
pleased. I hurt for the babies whose doctors have ignored the research data
because it cannot conclusively state that breastfeeding prevents diabetes.
They might be the first doctors who suggest that a certain percentage of
women will not get breast cancer if they take Temoxifen. (never mind the
side effects)

They do not mention that probably a higher percentage of breast cancer
could be prevented by encouraging breastfeeding for a longer duration, both
better for mom and their baby girls who are breastfeeding. (BF. Biocultural
Perspective,)

Is it sexual, emotional or guilt that prevents these kind of discussions
from happening. Or is it just plain ignorance of the facts.

Thats all for today folks.

Attie Sandink RN. IBCLC. Burlington, Ontario