I must add my comments about a mother's fear about making her doctor
mad.  Our pediatrician is one of the best, very pro-breastfeeding and
supportive doctors in our state.  He's taken care of all three of my
children and we have agreed and disagreed about certain things.  I've
always felt respected by him and we have always received excellent care.

In the past year, we have had to see five different orthopedists,
podiatrists, and other doctors regarding a foot problem my son has.  It
was very hard for me, as a mother, to keep calling up our trusted
pediatrician and requesting yet another referral, because the latest
doctor did meet our expectations. I felt bad, asking him for more names,
because it seemed that I was being difficult or just plain picky. (my
assumption, not his.)

My point is, I've know our pediatrician for 12 years, we respect each
other, and have the best interests of my children in mind, YET, I felt
guilty for my dissatisfaction with the people he referred us to.  Those
who know me know that I am not shy or introverted.  But it was difficult
for me question his judgment. I somehow felt disloyal or even
uncooperative and demanding, because our needs were not being met.  But,
I am also a mother and if I have to behave certain ways in order to
receive sound medical treatment, so be it.

I am thinking that if I can feel intimidated and guilty for questioning
my favorite doctor, then brand new, unsure mothers surely can, too.
Especially if their doctor came "highly recommended,"  I can totally
understand how a new mother who may be facing a crisis can be
intimidated by a doctor.  There is no excuse for poor or misinformation.
I am just saying that some mothers have a hard time finding their
voices.  Let's figure out how to help these moms . . .

Heidi (the other Heidi) in New Mexico

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html