Told to stop BF - do I complain?

[cheezcurl]

Went to the emergency room tonight as I have mislayed my asthma inhaler and needed a prescription (seasonal so only use it a handful of times over July/Aug time). Nurse practitioner asked if I take antihistamines as they may help. I said I try not to take anything if I can avoid it as I am still BF. She told me "well she's 14 months dont you think its time to stop that now". I was a bit and told her that its recommended to continue until 2 yrs old. She told me that if she is eating "real" food there is no need and I should to stop. Know I am not unreasonable for feeling a bit taken aback, but should I lodge a complaint?

I wish people would complain about things more actually. I recently complained about my HV (for being rude). When I told a few friends, before I even said which HV it was, every one of them said "oh was it X" - she'd been rude to them too, and in some cases given some bad advice. However none of them had complained about her.

'Not everyone lives in a breastfeeding bubble'. Oh god.

How about: 'not all doctors and nurses live in a healthy-eating bubble you know'.

It's actually a bloody disgrace that so few health professionals get proper/enough training in nutrition (of which breastmilk is) full stop.

Portandblack - I don't live in a BFing bubble. I have a 10 month old child. He gets fed food and breastmilk (and formula when at his childminder). I expect to get sensible, medical advice when I ask for it that doesn't compromise my ability to breastfeed. Not ill-informed opinions that have nothing to do with anything. If I were the original poster and felt that I had the energy I would complain politely.

In general, btw, including whilst recently at hospital with a dislocated shoulder, I've received brilliant support and advice. They even helped me to avoid taking morphine by providing alternatives. Not so great from a physio afterwards who, when I asked for tips for helping me to hold/lift an 8 month baby for feeding that 'well you've done that long enough - he won't be needing that anymore'. I'd have loved to see him tell my DS that.

"breastfeeding bubble"? That's rather condescending PortandLemon

OP - If I were you I would complain, but in a way that educates them out of their ignorance rather than just causing a fuss

Def complain, what total prejudiced nonsence

I would complain. Breastfeeding a 14 month old is a good, healthy choice. Of course if the mum's health is compromised or could be compromised, that's a different matter - but if this was the case she should have phrased it differently - eg. "it's great that you are still breastfeeding, but you might want to weigh up the pros of continuing with the cons to your own health" or something along these lines.
She certainly shouldn't be implying (as she was) "what the hell are you doing that for, she doesn't need it anyway?!" A less informed mother might then think "oh well, if she's said that there is obviously no benefit for carrying on bf anyway. Maybe it is a bit weird at 14 months?" Rather than weighing anything up and making an informed decision.

I would complain, not to get her into trouble but to correct her misconceptions about breastfeeding and allow her to be a better nurse in the future.

Here is some information about antihistamines and breastfeeding from the Breastfeeding Network Website.

Or if you have the name of a specific drug this Tox Net website can give you information about it's effect on breastfeeding.

HTH