I too get very frustrated when totally inaccurate and detrimental information
is dispensed by pediatricians and other pediatric specialties regarding
breastfeeding.  I laughed at an earlier post that some 2 yr RN's don't have
as much information as 4 yr RN's, Gee Wiz, I am not even an RN and have more
information than some pediatricians about breastfeeding.  If all
pediatricians, pediatric and maternal nurses, specialties concerning care of
women and children, etc. all had correct breastfeeding information and could
solve breastfeeding problems IBCLC's would be obsolete and mother to mother
support groups would become wonderful places for true emotional support and
playtime instead of the bunch of us scratching our heads wondering where on
earth that (Fill in the blank) nurse, doc, receptionist, etc. learned that
bit of stupidity.  However, in the long run, most doctors and nurses enter
their careers with the desire to help and heal and while many (perhaps even
most) do not know nearly enough about breastfeeding, I do not think it is
fair to expect them to know it all.  Actually, they have no problem referring
out to specialists for other issues--orthopedists, gastroenterologists,
cardiologists, etc etc when their expertise in a particular aspect of patient
care does not meet the needs of the patient. I do not want or expect docs or
nurses to know it all, I expect them to know what I know--If you don't know
the answer or how to help, find someone who does and refer it out.  Perhaps
we should change our attitudes that they should know it all, and instead
focus on convincing them that Lactation is in and of itself a specialty and
there is nothing wrong with referring a mom to someone in that field and
further, the person being referred to will not make the doctor feel
threatened for not knowing lactation information.  When I am asked by moms to
recommend a pediatrician I tell them to look for many things, and maybe the
lip service of supporting breastfeeding could be one, that finding a doctor
who will truly be totally knowledgeable about breastfeeding and parenting in
their style, may be impossible (not only because few exist, but insurance
companies often limit choices, travel time, clinic size etc.).  Instead, they
should ask how the doctor feels about LC's and LLL ( in the US at least this
would be who they should know about) and if there was a problem with
breastfeeding who does he/she refer to.  As far as parenting goes, I flat out
tell them no one needs to tell you how to follow your heart and love your
baby, and remember doctors are often parents too and have opinions and only
opinions that are just as valuable as yours.  etc etc   I try never to bash
docs even though there are several in my area I would love to trap in a room
and give a piece of my mind.  I always tell parents to remember that unless
it is a life threatening illness, they most likely know baby best and can
educate themselves and make their own choices and then share their choice
with the doctor with the understanding the choice is theirs not his/hers.  I
agree with Jennifer Tow, about whose baby is this anyway and what is up with
"the doctor won't let me". But the truth is, most mothers, and even more
fathers, assume the medical information given is absolute pure science and
based completely on up to date information and there is no way they could be
wrong.  They tend to take a very obediant stance when dealing with the
medical world and I don't think this will be overcome anytime soon, but I do
see it changing slowly. It is very hard to be a parent and always worry about
making the wrong choices, it is so much easier to allow someone else to tell
you what to do and then if you were wrong, you were only following medical
advice.  I think the fear of guilt among parents and the unsureness they feel
making choices for their babies is sometimes overwhelming--especially for a
first time mom and dad.

 Isn't funny how often a second and third opinion is sought when it concerns
an adult's health issues, but when comes to maternal and infant health most
accept the first answer given and don't think of changing docs or at least
getting another opinion.  Hummm, just another notch in the women and children
last belt.

Pam MazzellaDiBosco   IBCLC   8 days til due date for #6

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