No no to breastfeeding by private GP

[AnotherTimeMaybe]

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?

[Writerwannabe83]

Also there is evidence that breast feeding as well as being good for the baby acts as preventative for breast cancer for the mother. The longer the better apparently.

Exactly. I've had two women in my family have breast cancer so I'm over the moon that breast feeding can reduce that risk.

Breast feeding also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and osteoporosis which is also fab. People forget that breast feeding doesn't just benefit the child.

[FutureGadgetsLab]

Breast feeding also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and osteoporosis which is also fab. People forget that breast feeding doesn't just benefit the child.

Do you have any links for why this is? I like to know how things work.

[Writerwannabe83]

I have no idea how to provide links as I'm on my iPhone

[WoTmania]

FutureGadget unicef/babyfriendly ebsite has links to latest research

OP if you decide to complain it may be worth speaking to one of the main BF support charities (LLL, BfN, ABM) who will be able to help you with relevant info/research if you want support.

[monkeymamma]

I've had similar comments OP (for some reason I'm always prone to grim tonsillitis when breastfeeding). And my dc were all younger than yours at the time!
On a practical note, if uncertain about antibiotics I'll repeat what our very sensible practice nurse advised which was to take them after last evening feed - at this age they are unlikely (in our house anyway!) to request later/night feeds (I knocked off night feeds at 9m as I need my sleep). Then they are pretty much out of your bloodstream by the next feed.
To answer the op yes I'd complain.
If there was an OffHuzz I'd be filing a complaint about my dh who has been nervously asking when I'm planning on giving up as he now feels 'it's a bit weird'. Ds2 is 17m! Think dh is freaked out because I gave up feeding ds1 at 12m. I understood it to be the norm at the time but since then have realised it doesn't have to be.

[squizita]

Breast feeding also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and osteoporosis which is also fab. People forget that breast feeding doesn't just benefit the child.

It was my understanding (from NCT and local LLL so pro-BF, and from a specialist midwife as I sometimes take medication that lowers bone density) that you needed to ensure your vitamin D and calcium intake were good during natural term BF because it can lead to your own supplies falling, leaving an increased risk of osteoporosis? Is this not deemed the case anymore?

[squizita]

...OK read the LLL stuff. Seems to say after 18 months the density is back to normal (though in my case it might just be back up to where it was on the meds?). But during you have lower density.

I'm off to sit in the sun and eat some icecream then.