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Doc Talk
How Much Does Your Doctor Really Know About Breastfeeding?
By Gwen Morrison
Spatz is thrilled that the hospital is implementing this program. "It also focuses on the complex things related to breastfeeding," she says.
When it comes to breastfeeding her child, Warren is frustrated with the feedback she has received over the past two years. "My doctor has been trying to get me to wean my son since he was 10 months old," she says. "The pediatrician tells me every time that I visit that I need to wean."
When Warren questions the suggestion, the only answer she receives is: "Because he is old enough." Warren says she gives her doctor numerous reasons why she should continue breastfeeding, and the doctor simply smiles and nods.
"I know on the next visit, she will repeat the same tired speech," Warren says. "She is a good doctor and of the many pediatricians we have had over the years, she is by far my favorite, but she is not up to speed on breastfeeding research nor does she seem interested in finding out anything more."
This has been the claim of many mothers over the years and has led to some serious problems.
"Parents need to be armed with the most current research information," Spatz says. "Then they should present this directly to the doctor or tell him what the research indicates." A well-read patient is one that is hard to ignore. A parent who approaches a doctor with up-to-date clinical reasons why breastfeeding is optimal for babies will grab the attention of their physician more easily than one who is unprepared.
