questioning doctor's advice on bf

[BornSicky]

i have a six month old baby who is breast fed and just started weaning.

he has some kind of stomach virus causing a fever and diarrhea. it's been on going for a few days and already seen the nurse who proscribed paracetemol and nurofen every three hours.

am waiting for the results of a stool sample, as he has green, watery poo.

just been to see the doctor as it's still not clearing up and baby very distressed.

the doctor advised no breastfeeding for 24 hours and to replace with cooled boiled water with a fluid replacement sachet, and live yoghurt instead.

my baby has never had a bottle and as well as normal feeds, feeds to sleep.

am about this advice and wondered what people thought.

it's going to be a tricky 24 hours without bf and am certain baby is going to be more distressed, as well as me having an over supply/supply problems.

[squiggleywiggler]

Sounds like dodgy advice to me but am loathe to disagree with a doctor not knowing the specific virus etc.

However I've always been advised to keep BFing whatever is wrong with my DD. BM being very easy on the stomach, as hydrating as water, easier to get down them than water and comforting. There are also the antibodies to consider and of course the additional distress of denying her BM and supply issues.

I'd ring La Leche League or another breastfeeding helpline and talk to them. Then ring back the surgery and ask to speak to the doc and find out exactly why they've recommended no BM. Unless there's something specific about your DD's condition that precludes it I imagine the doc simply doesn't understand BF-ing.

[BornSicky]

thanks squiggley

The doctor doesn't know what the virus is either, but suggested that my baby might be lactose intolerent right now, as the gut is disturbed by the flu bug.

Should add that baby is not vomiting and no obvious signs of dehydration eg, depressed abdomen, lack of tears etc.

Good idea about ringing La Leche. I'll do that now.

[witchwithallthetrimmings]

I think for bottle fed babies the advice is to replace milk feeds with water. This is probably why he is suggesting not bf. My understanding is that your milk (not boiled water or live yoghurt) is the best thing for her and the only food and drink she needs

[belgo]

Carry on breastfeeding. Your milk will have adjusted to the needs of a sick baby, and will help prevent dehydration and loss of salts.

[rainbowinthesky]

Carry on bf. Your doctor is wrong.

[RitaMorgan]

Sounds like very odd advice - I wouldn't give dairy products to a baby with a stomach bug. I'd keep bfing, otherwise the baby will be starving, surely?

[belgo]

Not only is the GP wrong but his advice is dangerous. An ill baby being denied her main source of nutrition is only likely to increase the risk of dehydration and distress. And suddenly stopping bfing is a risk for mastitis for the mother.

Please carry on bfing.

[TheRealMBJ]

Your doctor is wrong, wrong, wrong.

But no reason not to offer some live yoghurt too, if baby seems interested. Don't replace any bf with solids or water though.

[BornSicky]

thanks everyone.

i really hoped i wasn't being pfb and your posts have reassured me that my instinct to keep on bf is right.

just waiting to speak to my HV who us well and is very supportive of bf.

[BornSicky]

just found this on kellymom in case anyone searches this topic later.

i'm getting angry now that the doctor gave me that advice.

bloody grateful for MN.

[EauRouge]

Good thing you checked! How would you feel about writing to the practice manager and suggesting the GP has further BF training? Might prevent this kind of thing happening again.

[BornSicky]

eaurouge was just mentally drafting that letter... completely agree with you.

it's stressful enough looking after a sick baby without being given advice to do something that is potentially harmful (as belgo mentions above).

[kellieb7]

Hope your LO is feeling brighter soon and just wanted to say thank goodness for MN, few people would have the knowledge/confidence to challenge a GP and clearly as this post shows it is a very good thing that you questioned it. Best of luck x

[BornSicky]

thanks kellie

just to further confirm. Spoke to HV and they also confirmed everyone's advice above and that the doctor's advice was wrong.