I have been ebf for 10 weeks and went to DD appointment. Her pedi is concerned about her weight since she was born 9.1 and now at 10 weeks is only 9.14. But when we left the hospital 3 days after she was born, she only weighed 8.2 so basically she lost almost a pound. But since then I believe she has been gaining weight just fine. He thinks that that cause of her slow weight gain is my breastmilk so he wants me to switch to formula. I had planned to ebf for a year, at least so this really upsets me. Is he dumb, or is it just me?
Quoting chelseamcnorman:*wiping my proverbial cat scratches with antiseptic*
Mrs. Jackson-- Obviously you (or someone close to you) works in a doctor's office. First of all, I never called Crystal's pedi (or ANY doctor for that matter) "dumb"... in fact, I went out of my way to be clear about this when I made the statement, "I'm sure you're pedi isn't dumb." Secondly, I pointed out that he SOUNDS ignornant about ONE THING (breastfeeding). If you find that statement offensive, then you didn't read my reply from a very objective perspective, now did you?
In reference to that low blow you made, which I guess was intended to sting me... yes-- you were absolutely correct when you accused me of being "ignorant about the intricacies of medicine." BUT THEN AGAIN, I'm not prescribing medicine, now am I? In fact, I encouraged Crystal to seek medical advice FROM A DIFFERENT PEDIATRICIAN who respects her values more. Again I'm not sure why you find this to be a reason for attacking me. Funny to consider how I had gone out of my way to avoid sounding offensive when I had written my previous reply to Crystal... since I obviously failed in that measure, I might as well say what I REALLY think, so here it goes:
I think doctors are amazingly intelligent people. I have one in my family--a neurologist--which, as you know, is the cream of the doctor crop. He's a genius, one of the smartest people I've ever met. He has also told me that during their time in medical school, doctors learn only ONE side of healing: the pharmaceutical side. They don't spend any substantial time whatsoever exploring alternative healing routes, such as herbals, naturopathy, holistic medicine, orthomolecular nutrition, etc. While I think the medical industry has its uses, I also believe that, as a nation, we are more dependent on it than we should be. I believe that if we educated ourselves as to how our bodies work, then we would be able to prevent many ailments and thereby seek medical attention less often.
If you would like to call me "crazy" (or some simliar label), then that's fine. I won't be offended because I know that you are only labeling me that way because you have been conditioned to do so. Besides, what do I know? Natural medicine has only been around for millenia, so what possible use does it serve in our "enlightened," modern society (sarcasm)?
And yes, I've studied natural medicine for years. But don't let that stop you from calling me ignorant if it makes you feel good about yourself.
Quoting mrs.jackson254:
Maybe I'm being a tad bit defensive, but I would caution you to make the statement that the physician is ignorant about the "intricacies of breastfeeding." practicing medicine is pretty intricate itself and you may just be ignorant of the intricacies of medicine. If people always knew what was best for them or their child we wouldn't need physicians. Frankly this is very slow weight gain (essentially none) for this child. It is expected for NBs to lose weight after birth, but I expect a baby to be up to there birth weight or at least gaining by the 2 week appointment. Maybe the MD needs to (if he hasn't already) include other things in his differential, but he is completely accurate to be concerned about this child's lack of weight gain.
Quoting chelseamcnorman:I'm sure your pedi isn't "dumb," per se, but he does sound very ignorant about the intricacies of breastfeeding. Probably because, like most doctors, he has been trained to prescribe (in this case, formula) rather than come up with a solution that fits into your personal health goals for your baby. Remember: you are more in touch with your baby's best interests than anyone else. Find a new pedi if this one doesn't come up with some alternative solutions that don't contradict your parenting ethos.
Quoting shortyali:
She didn't say 12 pounds, she said 12%
Quoting mrs.jackson254:
Who is expecting 12 pound weight loss? That seems excessive to me. I would check the resource on that.
Quoting aehanrahan:
The nursing babies aren't starving. It is after they are weaned.
The baby is only just over 5 ounces low based on the expected 12% loss. There is a history of small babies in the family. I don't think there is really anything to worry about at this time.
Quoting moroccanmommy:
I agree with u.....but those kids are starving. Have u seen them
Anyways...the fact is baby needs to average a pound per month. I've been through this..I'd nurse like crazy...offer more often...stay clear of formula. Keep counting dupes. Of no gain in a week I'd look for other reasons.....and get donor milk to offer after session using sns.
Quoting gdiamante:Actually, Andi, not correct. Women in Third World countries eat much more poorly than Americans do but the breastmilk is still perfect!
Check this out: http://kellymom.com/nutrition/mothers-diet/mom-diet/
A poor diet hurts MOM... but nature favors baby over mom every time and makes sure baby doesn't suffer.
Quoting AndiWest83:
Wow. Whatever the mom eats will go to the baby through her milk. If she has a poor diet then her milk supply will not be as good as it could be.
Quoting Char07:
((scratches head and wonders if we are reading the same post))
Baby HAS gained, baby is over birth weight and no one said anything about 12 lb loss... Not to mention very many physicians know very very little about bfing and infant nutrition??
Quoting mrs.jackson254:
Excuse my typo. That's what I meant. Still sounds excessive to me.
Quoting shortyali:
She didn't say 12 pounds, she said 12%
Quoting mrs.jackson254:
Who is expecting 12 pound weight loss? That seems excessive to me. I would check the resource on that.
Quoting aehanrahan:
The nursing babies aren't starving. It is after they are weaned.
The baby is only just over 5 ounces low based on the expected 12% loss. There is a history of small babies in the family. I don't think there is really anything to worry about at this time.
Quoting moroccanmommy:
I agree with u.....but those kids are starving. Have u seen them
Anyways...the fact is baby needs to average a pound per month. I've been through this..I'd nurse like crazy...offer more often...stay clear of formula. Keep counting dupes. Of no gain in a week I'd look for other reasons.....and get donor milk to offer after session using sns.
Quoting gdiamante:Actually, Andi, not correct. Women in Third World countries eat much more poorly than Americans do but the breastmilk is still perfect!
Check this out: http://kellymom.com/nutrition/mothers-diet/mom-diet/
A poor diet hurts MOM... but nature favors baby over mom every time and makes sure baby doesn't suffer.
Quoting AndiWest83:
Wow. Whatever the mom eats will go to the baby through her milk. If she has a poor diet then her milk supply will not be as good as it could be.
this post may already exist. i'm sorry if it does. :(
- crystal2759
on Aug. 11, 2012 at 1:55 PM