Questions/Vent!

Im just VERY curious to know why Dr's don't support breastfeeding???

Everytime my bub cries/screams i always offer milk BUT most of the times he doesnt want it OR he will suck for a little bit then scream againn like its not what he wants, so tonight i took him to the hospital and explained to them how he screams ALOT and everytime i just get told its because he's hungry :wall: im at my wits ends with this because all ive ever wanted to do is BF my babies and my DS1 i only BF for 2 weeks this time i have just kept going with it despite being told my breastmilk isnt good enough for him to be satisfied and i should FF :shakehead:

Im getting quite frustrated because i think my bub has reflux but instead of listening to me all they seem to think is i need to FF, Now i have given formula to try this and bub still screams

So within also asking why drs dont support BF,i guess im also wanting to know are BF babies more hungrier then FF babies???

Im starting to wonder if im doing the wrong thing by my DS2 if he is constantly hungry (like the drs are saying) as its starting to do my head in, i guess im over feeding him so much sometimes and it makes me wonder if im stressing him out by doing this too

Hi,
I think most doctors do support breastfeeding - you seem to have just run up against the ones that don't, which is frustrating. Often in busy situations it is important for doctors (timewise) to get a "quick fix" for the mother. Many doctors percieve that mothers don't want to breastfeed. Or fear making a mother "feel guilty" by encouraging her to keep breastfeeding.
Tell me, how often is your baby feeding every day? What has her weightgain been like?
Sometimes you need to tell the doctor, upfront, that breastfeeding is important to you and you've come to them for help and support. Ask around town - other mothers will know which ones are breastfeeding friendly.
Also, join the Australian Breastfeeding Association. 70% of members feed their baby to 12 mnths (in the general population this is only 20%.) The differece is the support you get.

It's so confusing isn't it :hug: My second DS was a screamer too - it is really hard work. Not getting the support and information you need makes it all harder too. I found the ABA helpline a real life saver during that time. Now that it's a national 24 hour, toll-free service it's even better - just ring 1800 mum 2 mum. You don't need to be an ABA member, but as Barb says joining has lots of advantages.

As Barb asked, it would be helpful to know how often he is feeding. Babies have trouble attaching when they are screaming so sometimes mums find it works better to offer the breast before they are crying or screaming. This means looking for early hunger cues if the baby is awake - like turning his head, opening his mouth, sucking his fist. In the beginning it might even mean waking him when you think he is close to needing a feed and popping him on the breast while he is sleepy.

There are some other things that can help too but without knowing more about what is going on I'm not sure which ideas would be best. This is where the helpline is so good because they can ask questions and work with you to find suggestions that will work for you.

All the best hun - please keep us updated :hug: