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Hi, I have a 6 month old girl, Brynlee, who is exclusively breastfeeding. A couple months back, I hurt my shoulder lifting the carseat and the pain has been getting worse every day. I had been seeing a chiropractor but it wasn't helping, so he referred me to a D.O. After xrays, he told me I needed to be on medication, as I had developed arthritis in the shoulder joint. I agreed, but let him know I was breastfeeding. What he said next shocked me and I am still so upset by it all, I don't know what to do. He told me that she is 6 months old and I shouldn't be breastfeeding her any longer because she already has all the nutrients she needs from me and needs to be on formula. He said he "appreciates all you women do for them but 6 months is too old for a baby to be eating like that." he told me to go to WIC, get some formula and get a pump to express the rest of "that stuff" so he can get me on medication.
Now, the whole time, I was thinking he was an a-h--- but if I started to protest, he got more animated about it and upset, so I just started nodding my head and faux agreeing with him. He asked me when I could switch over and I said,"well, I guess about 2 weeks so I can wean.." he interrupted me at this point and told me that was ridiculous and I needed to do it TODAY. I am just so incredibly horrified that I am being looked down on because I choose to give my baby the best I can. Even the nurse, after he left the room said, "I think that should be YOUR choice." and slmed the door behind her.
I just wish there was a way to know if a doctor is anti-breastfeeding before I waste my time again. What can I do? Because I clearly need meds, but Tylenol isn't working and the stupid doctor didn't want to give me something that won't pass to her. He called in a scrip for Elidel(?) and naproxim(?). Anyway, what can I do? And what meds can I ask for that won't hurt my baby?
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! I would be livid. I can not believe he said that to you. It was completely uncalled for, and not even based on scientific fact. HE thinks babies shouldn't 'eat like that' but the AAP and all pedis will tell you breastmilk is best for the first YEAR, and the WHO says 2. I'm sorry you are in pain, but I would not wean. I would find another doctor. I think he was probably just a fluke, I've been to a few and they've always been accepting to the fact I'm nursing.
I 2nd the advil - it sounds like he prescribed you something and naproxen - which, by the way, is prescription Aleve. I know, I used to be on it after a car accident, and it is the only thing that helps my migraines. It is an NSAID - non steroidal anti-inflammatory, same class of drug as ibuprofen - sold over the counter as Advil or Motrin.
Naproxen is not safe during pregnancy, but according to this site : Drug safety during breastfeeding | BabyCenter it is safe while BFing, as long as baby is over 1 month old. Long term use may be different, though.
I'd say screw him - and phone around to other offices, telling the nurse/receptionist about your experience and why you're looking for another doctor. The one who is the nicest and most sympathetic (or most disgusted) is probably a good bet for a doctor who is more pro-breastfeeding...
In the meantime, warn every momma you know about that jerk, because he doesn't deserve a medical license let alone a full practice.
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Big huge hugz and thanks to tasha_mae for my beautiful siggy! - and -
Yeah, I was pretty mad. In that moment I wanted to tell him off, get up and walk out. I don't know why I didn't and I feel awful I didn't stand up for myself and my rights. I think that is what upset me most. Very disappointed in myself.
I might go pick up the naproxen prescription if it is safe to take every now and then. Having pain relief for a day is better than having it constantly.
And Cheryl, yes, I have thought about calling around, but like in his office, the nurse and receptionist were angry about it, it was the Doctor with the biased opinion. I'm sure that's how it would be when I call around. I wish I could talk directly with each doctor lol
Oh and edited to add that I didn't know advil was safe to take! That's awesome!
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Last edited by kitt; August 26th, 2010 at 02:05 PM.
I'd definitely be finding a new doctor and filing a complaint against him. His attitude was completely uncalled for. Not only is he not educated on the recommendations for breastfeeding a child, he was completely condescending. I would not tolerate behavior like that from a professional. As for his prescriptions, you can always talk to the pharmacist to get their opinion on whether it is safe with breastfeeding.
I haven't read all the replies so I hope I don't repeat anybody, but that is BULL****! I take medications even though I'm nursing. I need Ativan and Ambien to sleep, except that my doctor just switched me to Lunesta instead. I've been given Lortab and Darvocet for tooth aches and my arthritis in my neck. I have NEVER had a doctor tell me not to breastfeed, EVER. I'm stunned.
And Naproxen is Aleve. You can take that. I've taken it for my neck.
Thank you everyone! Thank you also to the above poster, it is so good to hear from someone who has taken prescription meds for pain, so I appreciate your input as well. How do you file a complaint because I would like to do that asap!
Yikes, what a jerk! (I have other words, but they would be bleeped out )
Just to add, I'm on a prescription anti-depressant, and there are MANY medications safe to take while breastfeeding. The doctor you saw was an uneducated jerk and after his speal, I would just wing it and find another doctor. Most doctors aren't that bad, but there are some who are. Some are just uneducated, others are jerks about it, lol
I've had a few doctors attack me about nursing. Everything from nursing while pregnant, age and the number of times my DD nurses, night nursing, etc. I usually just try to avoid a fight and smile and nod. I always feel disappointed in myself afterwords, but I know that at least I know the truth and that's what matters. There are too many mothers who get talked into weaning or supplementing on a doctor's advice and it's sad they dish out so much bad information when they are suppose to be the "experts".
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Andrea, mom to Abigail (6) Annabelle (4) and Alexis (1)
i would report him somehow.thats not right i would keep on with the tylenol til i found a new doc and tell em up front i am nursing and i am NOT stopping ,can you help me? if they say no go to the next one. UGH what an arse!! good luck sweety.KUP
__________________ Wendimarried to my soulmate and mama to 4 great kiddos & 1 sweet angel Virtapay, alternative to paypal...its FREE!!! http://www.virtapay.com/r/wclark602002
OMG that's aweful! I agree that another doctor and opinion are in order.
Aside from lodging a complaint, there are many places to leave reviews - look him up on Google, the phone book and especially doctor rating sites such as this
(IMO) be sure to detail his lack of education and horrid bedside manner. Perhaps you were too stunned at the time to respond to his utter stupidity (it happens to us all) but you can at least warn others away from the oaf.
I'm glad you posted reviews - but I think you should still look into filing a complaint. I just don't want that JERK to tell those lies to some other less educated woman.
Good for you for knowing better! I'm sorry you are in pain. Big Big hugs - don't feel bad - I probably would have cried!
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Thank you Kiliki for my first beautiful Siggie!
mom of 2 angels and an earth baby
Have you tried physical therapy? I pulled my shoulder out lifting a camera at work (they weigh about 60+ pounds and are the size of a lunch box). I did 6 weeks of PT and while it still hurts on and off it's much better than before. I can't do push ups anymore but I can lift my daughters and carry heavy items. It might be worth a try before you listen to any other jerk doctors!
__________________ Sara, 27, married to Shane, 31, mom to Gemma, 6, and Ashlyn, born 8/7/10
Running for my health and sanity!
PR's: 5k-25:05 (old PR 25:10), 5M-45:03 (old PR - 47:22), 10k - 52:00 (approximate - training), HM-2:25:58 (ran a 2:17:36 during marathon), Full- 4:49:25 (old PR -5:49:40), 50k-7:05:56, 50M-13:31:14, 100k- 18:59:31 (old PR 20:56)
(All of these PR's are going down this season!)
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i would keep on with the tylenol til i found a new doc and tell em up front i am nursing and i am NOT stopping ,can you help me? if they say no go to the next one. UGH what an arse!! good luck sweety.KUP
Wendi
married to my soulmate 
and mama to 4 great kiddos
& 1 sweet angel
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