GP ruining my confidence.

[christy]

*pfft* to the GP. You sound like you are doing a great job, just because Western medicine and 5% of the world does it his way, doesn't mean you have too.

[~Raven~]

Feeding in the night is a problem only if you think it's a problem. If you are ok with it, then it's not a problem.

I agree with this! It's your bub and you getting up in the night. I can't see why he lectured you like that unless you asked for advice on how to stop it!

[Ezz]

Everyone is going to have their own opinions - they are entitled to them - but that doesn't mean you have to follow them! You know your DS the best & you know what you are comfortable doing. There is no point trying to implement any strategy/technique that you aren't comfortable with - because you will feel awful & chances are it won't work anyway (because bubs will pick up on your stress).

I recently had the same doubts when a couple of tresillian nurses told me I was doing the wrong thing. But, after a couple of hours of doing what they suggested, I decided to stick with my normal settling techniques & I'm so glad I did. DS is back to his usual beautiful self & I feel comfortable in my gentle parenting style. I just wish I had had the confidence to trust my instincts to begin with!

Keep doing what you feel is right hon

[krysalyss]

I do think we should be open to the opinions of others, especially those that are different to ours, so we can learn and develop our ideas. However just like we would look for a credible reference if we were going to write an assignment, we need to consider the source of information. The problem is that we feel GPs should know about these things but really, why would they? They are specialists in disease diagnosis, not child development/psychology.
If you are up to it, you can argue the point but make sure you are well armed with evidence and a tough skin. The benefit to that is that you may just change their mind on a subject or at least get them to think enough to look into it for themselves.
Sometimes it is just better to nod, smile and leave being comfortable with your own decisions.
HTH

[Liz]

Does the GP have any kids? One thing I can't stand is GPs, midwives, nurses etc saying what babies 'should' be doing, and they've never had kids themselves.

You're definitely doing what sounds right for you.

I'm still getting up in the night for feeds.. was the same with DS too. What is it with people insisting that babies sleep? This whole comforted settling thing is silly imo. The problem isn't usually getting them to sleep - it's getting them to stay asleep! LOL. They obviously wake for a reason, and the in-tune mums usually know the quickest & easiest way to get them back to sleep so everyone benefits (usually a quick breastfeed in this house )

You're doing great. I know the feeling when GP's say things like that tho, so I sympathise. *hugs*

[Lolli]

Thanks ladies What would I do without my cheersquad on BB?

[sunshine_sieben]

The problem is that we feel GPs should know about these things but really, why would they? They are specialists in disease diagnosis, not child development/psychology.

So true.
I agree with some of the other girls, I jsut don't discuss sleep with a lot of people. My GP has never asked me about her sleeping and I neer mentioned it. I bet he is oblivious to the fact that I'm stil BFing her. Who knows what his attitude to tha would be. He was very pro BF in the early days and used to alsways ask whether she was still BF and congratulationg me. But he hasn't asked since she was 6 months. I guess he just assumes that she's on the bottle.
DD is still waking for night feeds. I have started a plan of action around her 1st birthday. Because the ngiht feeds were increasing rather than reducing. And they were ony comfort feeds (2 minute suckling) adn I wasn't prepared to wake up every hour for a one year old anymore. But it seems she was also ready for change becasue we managed to cut it down to 1 night feed without any tears. And I am happy to do that 1 night feed for a while to come yet.
It sounds like you're doing a great job. Don't let anyone undermine your confidence. You know your child best. And if you don't mind dreamfeeding hima couple of times a night, then why change anything (and risk sleep getting worse rather than better). He will outgrow his night feeds in his own time. He might need some gentle encouragement (like DD) but I wouldn't do that until you feel like httas what you want to be doing. Just go with your gut.

Sasa