Upsetting Dr. Visit...
Nov. 5th, 2004 05:47 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lalicopa(x-posted to MKB)
Not with the kids, thank goodness. But while the nurse was weighing Lily, she said, "Is she holding her own bottle?" I said, "She doesn't use bottles." The nurse actually looked at me for a second in awe, like, "Well, how on earth do you feed the child?!?!" I said, "She's exclusively breastfed."
Then, when the doctor came in I asked him what percentage of the practice
would he estimate breastfeeds. He said, "I'd say about 25 percent
breastfeed, maybe 30%, but less than a third for sure."
I didn't even know what to say. We live in a fairly affluent area where
most moms are home with their babies, at least for the first 6 months or so, if not much longer. Why don't they breastfeed? I often get annoyed in Gymboree and other classes we take because there are usually no other
breastfeeding moms...I really don't get it. But it really pisses me off.
And the pediatric group that we use has 2 offices and a HUGE practice.
Am I crazy? I feel like picketing outside their offices! I feel like doing *something* to make these moms at least TRY to nurse their babies. But unfortunately, it's not just the patients at my doctor's office, that's just how it is around here. I swear, I'm completely puzzled.
Not with the kids, thank goodness. But while the nurse was weighing Lily, she said, "Is she holding her own bottle?" I said, "She doesn't use bottles." The nurse actually looked at me for a second in awe, like, "Well, how on earth do you feed the child?!?!" I said, "She's exclusively breastfed."
Then, when the doctor came in I asked him what percentage of the practice
would he estimate breastfeeds. He said, "I'd say about 25 percent
breastfeed, maybe 30%, but less than a third for sure."
I didn't even know what to say. We live in a fairly affluent area where
most moms are home with their babies, at least for the first 6 months or so, if not much longer. Why don't they breastfeed? I often get annoyed in Gymboree and other classes we take because there are usually no other
breastfeeding moms...I really don't get it. But it really pisses me off.
And the pediatric group that we use has 2 offices and a HUGE practice.
Am I crazy? I feel like picketing outside their offices! I feel like doing *something* to make these moms at least TRY to nurse their babies. But unfortunately, it's not just the patients at my doctor's office, that's just how it is around here. I swear, I'm completely puzzled.
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no subject
Date: 2004-11-05 07:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-06 06:06 am (UTC)I gave them my best "you dipshits" look and just said "He's breastfed."
The sad thing is, this was at an excellent childrens' hospital.
And I agree - instead of treating breastfeeding moms like this rarefied few, why not treat bottlefeeding moms as people who are doing something risky and warn them about dangers they might face?
no subject
Date: 2004-11-06 06:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-06 10:43 am (UTC)Next time (when I have another...) I am determined again to do more and be more suceesful. But looking back, I was so determined and so well read before and that didnt help. one need Real Life Support in adverse circumstances.
Next time I am giving birth at North Shore, hope they wil be better.
Wanna come help me next time?
Elise
no subject
Date: 2004-11-06 01:49 pm (UTC)I try to help anyone who asks, just that so many people don't ask...or they don't believe me when I say that the more bottles they give the LESS milk they are going to produce. It's so frustrating for me. I never thought I'd be this adamant about breastfeeding before I was pregnant with my first child.
I gave birth at LIJ, and although they have a wonderful breastfeeding office - nobody came to me. Not only that, but my son was in the NICU when he was born, and I had to go feed him every 3 hours...if I was even 2 minutes late, they'd give him formula. I was so furious.
When Lily was born, luckily I was able to keep her in my room all the time. She didn't leave me for more than 10 minutes while we were in the hospital, and then it was just to take her vitals in the nursery. But when they brought her to me, the nurse gave me a bottle of formula. I said, "We won't be using that." She said, "Ok, but just in case, this is how much to give her." I said, "NO really, we won't be needing that." She said, "Well, again...just in case, I'll leave it here for you." That alone pissed me off. The nurses were wonderful and complimented me on how well Lily and I were nursing along. Hindsight is always 20/20...if I knew then what I know now, Laszlo would have never had even the tiniest drop of formula. But I was an unenlightened first time mom.
no subject
Date: 2004-11-07 06:06 am (UTC)I'll need the help. And though we havent met in person, I will not be hesitating to call on you.
Should we do a playdate sometime? Maybe before it gets too cold for public parks?
no subject
Date: 2004-11-07 08:20 am (UTC)Sure! What is your schedule like?
Pretty Free
Date: 2004-11-07 08:58 am (UTC)I go to the Gym on MWF at 9am.
Right now on Thursday we go to Gymnastics at 3:30. But I really dont like it, so this is our last month. On Wednesdays I work from 4-7.
Sophie usually naps from 12 or 1 to 2 ish.
Are you frree Tuesday Morning by any chance, or is that too short notice?
My email is elisesara at aol dot com.
Elise