At what age do hospitals stop asking if dc were breastfed/type of birth?

[buckeejit]

Just that

It's been a few years thankfully since I've been in hospital with dc but I think ds was 5 or 6 last time & they still made notes that he was born by section & how long he was breastfed for.

He's 10 now & dd is nearly 7. When do they stop wanting to know & is there any need to write this info on notes about dc?!

At 18 months they asked about DDs birth but not if she was breastfed or not and never in any subsequent interactions. It’s relevant about her birth as she was 8 weeks early.

It helps them make connections.
DS1 was born by CS, DS2 natural. Both breastfed. DS1 crawled. DS2 bottom shuffled which is linked to dyslexia. Both autistic and all assessments asked about pregnancy and labour and any early trauma.

Thanks all. I never thought it was to judge but looking back I did have 'omg if I had breastfed longer, is there a chance Ds wouldn't have to be admitted to hospital' feelings when asked, but I would have felt the same if they'd asked if he had cornflakes or Rice Krispies for breakfast just because in the situation I was vulnerable and desperate.

I wanted to write basic details in a note for hospital bags I had organised & wasn't sure if they'd really need to know. I've added basic details about it anyway.

Dd is 22. She has a chromosome abnormality. Every new professional she comes into contact with asks. It's never occurred to me to be offended.

There are two types of autism - the kind that develops and the kind caused by birth injury which is probably why doctors ask about the kind of birth you have. The question about breastfeeding can be asked when reviewing a baby’s weight (breastfed babies can be lighter than formula fed), allergy history, or even for some MH conditions - it’s assumed, for example, that a baby that has been exclusively breastfed for at least 6 months will have fewer attachment issues.

GrumpyHoon, I’ve never heard anything about autism being “acquired” either through birth injury or early years/development.

“Cause unknown possible genetic link in some cases” has been the most scientific consensus.

Neither is there solid scientific evidence that EBF until 6 months prevents attachment issues.

I’m assuming that you’re not trying to mingle “attachment issues caused by not EBF“ with autism, as that would be both hugely offensive and deeply unscientific.

There are two types of autism - the kind that develops and the kind caused by birth injury

What? No. Correlations have been observed. Causality has categorically not been proven.

Yes, whenever mine (teens) see a new professional its part of the medical history. Orthodontist most recently.

@BuffaloCauliflower I would be interested, yes.

It stands to reason that it’s the gut microbiome in some way (or various ways).

Clinicians are busy enough and aren't asking questions to just pass the time

They are clinically significant questions which can help pin point and lead to other investigations or treatments. If a baby was a twin, was premature, needed special care, had meconium birth, tube fed, bottle fed, vaccinations up to date, reaching milestones etc etc all have relevance!

@VeryShortNotice the book ‘I Contain Multitudes’ is a good general, broad primer, it’s on Audible too. The Diet Myth by Phil Spector is excellent too, more focused on how the microbiome effects weight and health, but very easy to read and will cover areas that will apply to you

DS10 has autism and was recently assessed for dyslexia. I have been asked many many times. He was born prematurely/sepsis/CPAP which clearly ticks some of the boxes they’ve got. He was breastfed for about 2.5 years, which they’re often a bit surprised by.

DS16 and DS14 - both NT, probably the health visitor was the last person to enquire about them.

If it's relevant to a particular health condition doctors and other HCP will need to know. My DS is 13 and has had multiple health problems and has a chromosome disorder which presents with some similarities to cerebral palsy so we're often asked about his birth and early development.