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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

No no to breastfeeding by private GP

107 replies

AnotherTimeMaybe · 06/05/2016 10:17

Ok so last weekend I ended up with a bacterial infection, don't want to be too graphic but throat a mess, nose a mess etc. GP had no emergency appointments left, waited for Saturday in case it got better, out of hours and urgent care out of question cause of long waiting so ended up to a private Bupa GP for diagnoses and treatment. He prescribed antibiotics to which I asked if they are OK for breastfeeding. He asked the age of the baby, I said 18 months and he literally freaked out..."you can't do that hes a toddler". I've asked him what he means, this child is eating solids, I breastfeed for his comfort in the night etc to which he replied "give him a dummy then but not that..."
He was quite categorical, I got defensive - I should have been more assertive but I was feeling rough and I felt he caught me by surprise
I honestly didn't like his attitude as I didn't go there for pediatric or breastfeeding advice. I felt my own GP would have never ever said something like this! This chap was trying to impose his personal views on me in an odd way when clearly that wasn't his position to do so and till now I'm thinking of reporting this. Not sure though I want to cause him trouble, maybe I should just suck it up that certain professionals just don't agree with it over a certain age . But still isn't this a choice?
AIBU to feel a bit hurt by this reaction and WWYD?

OP posts:
YesILikeItToo · 06/05/2016 10:32

YANBU to feel hurt by his reaction. It is entirely wrong. In the NHS I would complain because it contradicts the overall NHS advice in a way which really undermines mothers. But for a private GP, I just I wouldn't go there again, there must be others available. Did you get the advice you needed? I think the La Leche League have pharmacists you can phone if you are unsure.

DataColour · 06/05/2016 10:34

He sounds delightful Hmm

What about the 2yr guidelines by the WHO...has he not heard of them?

Writerwannabe83 · 06/05/2016 10:37

I'm surrounded by medical professionals every day that I'm at work who don't agree with me breastfeeding my toddler and it's hard. The looks they give, the things they say etc - it's pretty crap.

Put it behind you and just be thankful that you haven't got to see him again.

I hope you feel better soon Flowers

Sighing · 06/05/2016 10:37

Private gp, not bound by nhs guidelines but still fucked up that he's providing you with his (unprofessional) opinion rather than the medical advice you asked for. I'd complain to his practice as he failed to provide the medical advice you were paying for when asked. Not really much business sense has he? Shock

FutureGadgetsLab · 06/05/2016 10:39

I'd complain also. It wasn't his place to impose his views.

NameChange30 · 06/05/2016 10:40

Why would you complain to the NHS but not to a private healthcare provider? You have paid for this service; that makes it even worse that the service was unacceptable. OP, you should complain to Bupa about this doctor. If the complaint forces him to reconsider his attitude towards breastfeeding, or at least refrain from shoving it down patients' throats, so much the better.

Original poster
AnotherTimeMaybe · 06/05/2016 10:46

Thank for replies. I was wondering what a complain going to mean for him since he seemed quite young (early 30s), so my inner voice telling me not to do it. But can't imagine him giving this advice on a regular basis and with a certain attitude
Can't believe I paid 80 quid for this Sad

OP posts:
bluecarpet · 06/05/2016 10:48

I'd complain - and I'm a GP. It's inappropriate for him to give his personal opinion when it wasn't related to the problem. Might have been an appropriate discussion if, say, you had a serious illness that needed meds that you can't take while breastfeeding and delaying to keep feeding would affect your health - then it's reasonable to have the discussion - but not as you say.

PacificDogwod · 06/05/2016 10:51

I'd not let this go either - I, too am a GP.
I'm not sure I'd bother complaining, but I'd sent a copy of the WHO BFing recommendations and a covering letter stating he needs to update his knowledge.
Twat.

WoTmania · 06/05/2016 10:51

Breastfeeding network have the drugs helpline: here
Do consider complaining - he is outright wrong and is probably telling other, less confident, mums this. Also worth considering what he considers the appropriate Hmm age to stop...it may be 6 months in which case he definitely shouldn't be allowed near other mums with this sort of misinformation.

DataColour · 06/05/2016 10:51

I'd definitely complain. I hate it when people give their advice on things they don't know anything about! And you had to pay for this "advice".

I still regret not complaining about the HV who said breast milk was just a drink for my DC2 when she did the 8 month check on her.

blamethecat · 06/05/2016 10:51

He is wrong and you know he is, he is miss-informed about natural term breastfeeding and the benefits, He shouldn't have imposed his opinions on you in that manner, you need to complain about what he said and maybe suggest he reds up on WHO guidelines on breastfeeding and the benefits. What other uninformed unsolicited advice is he giving out to Px's all day ?

ppeatfruit · 06/05/2016 10:52

Blimey I wonder what he'd say to some Mums who breast feed for 3 years (in some other countries and here too).

I fed my ds til he was 2 it's absolutely fine.

PacificDogwod · 06/05/2016 10:52

This

MetalMidget · 06/05/2016 10:52

Complain - the only time he should be telling a woman not to breastfeed a baby is if breastfeeding would harm either the mother or the baby's health, not because he thinks it's weird!

TinyTear · 06/05/2016 10:54

Complain.
He should have factually answered your question - ok to breastfeed or not - he shouldn't have given his misguided opinion

a complain might just mean he will hopefully learn.

ParadiseCity · 06/05/2016 10:54

I'd complain to Bupa so they could make sure their GPs are up to date with current WHO advice. And I'd expect a refund of the £80 if their customer service is any good.

NameChange30 · 06/05/2016 10:57

www.bupa.co.uk/complaints

Shepherdessy · 06/05/2016 10:58

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Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 06/05/2016 11:00

Yabu to just be "thinking of reporting it. You want to pick up the phone and actually do it.
Now rightly or wrongly I could understand
an ordinary man in the street perhaps being freaked out by a toddler being breastfed, but not a fuckin Doctor. Who are supposed to encourage breastfeeding.

Make that complaint. Today. Infact, now.

PacificDogwod · 06/05/2016 11:00

Sherherdessy, I refer you to the WHO but maybe you have other evidence to back what you are saying up?

Shepherdessy · 06/05/2016 11:00

This reply has been deleted

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PacificDogwod · 06/05/2016 11:00

Oh, do go away - maybe this is not the thread for you?

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 06/05/2016 11:01

Are you the Doctor in question, ShepHmm

NameChange30 · 06/05/2016 11:01

Pacific I thought Shepherd was joking, that's the only rational explanation surely.

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