Hello, sympathetic Lactnetters!

Help! A LLLLeader in my city has a premie son; born 12/11/95 at 27 1/2 weeks
gestation. He weighed 2 pounds, 14 ounces. He is now a pound over birthweight
at 32 weeks old. Had oxygen the first day only, under a hood. He is stable
and only apnea monitored now. He is being tube-fed by mouth, but the doctor
is persistent in wanting to start bottles. The mom wants to breastfeed....She
has been pumping and baby has received EBM only. The OTHER doctor agrees with
mom, and she has tried nursing 3 times. Baby has done well, but the first
doctor is FURIOUS with both mom and other doctor. He has refused to continue
treating the baby unless mom goes along with HIS plan. She is trying to find
another doctor, but is having trouble finding someone sympathetic to her
wishes. I might add, this mom is very diplomatic, well-versed in HRE, etc.
Her attitude is one of polite persistence.

The first doctor wants baby on ONLY bottles for 2-3 weeks, then transfer to
breast. We are concerned about nipple confusion. Mom is doing kangaroo care
as much as possible, although she states that the nurses are not very
supportive about this, either.
I am trying to help her find a doctor who will listen, but it hasn't been
easy. The LC doesn't seem concerned about nipple confusion, either. She says
that a baby with a good suck and a willing mom will be able to nurse,
whenever it happens. Optimistic, but realistic? Any thoughts on this? Mom is
very concerned about not starting bottles unless it's really necessary.
Thanks so much.

JoAnn
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