Would this offend you?

[Carrie76]

We had Ethan at the hospital for his appointment as he has reflux. When the doctor first came in he asked his he breast fed, I said no he is formula fed he then asked why is he not breast fed?? I was so shocked I kind of muttered well I did try but he was in the special care unit because of low blood sugar and he needed to eat and as I had no milk he was given formula. Looking back I probably could have tried harder. He then went on to say, well it is my opinion that all babies should be breast fed for the first 6 months of their lives!! OMG, I actually could have slapped him. It's not as if I can start it back up again, he is nearly 3 months old so why even bring it up? I didn't go to the hospital for a lecture on the benefits of breast feeding, I know that myself. I do understand that different cultures don't believe in formula feeding but I really don't think it was his place to force his opinion on me or even bring it up for that matter. My Mum said he had no right to even ask why he wasn't breast fed. I feel like phoning the hospital tomorrow to get his name and write a letter of complaint!

 

[fantastica]

I'd be offended too...its fair enough he asked how he is fed...seeing as he was there for reflux, but absolutely no need to give his opinion on the matter! xx

 

[LeaArr]

Yeah, I would be offended. It doesn't matter WHY your baby is FF and it's not up to him to make your parenting choices. GL

 

[MummyToAmberx]

Yes i also would have been offended & would probably not been so polite back!

 

[blahblahblah]

I would also have been offended. If it was me, I'd be looking into complaining, it's just not on!

 

[mrsthomas623]

I would be very upset! Its hard enough being a first time mom without being judged!

 

[Vickie]

All doctors I have had asked me how Hannah was fed, none did ever ask why I didn't BF though......if it were me I'd just tell them personal choice and leave it at that, it really isn't his or anyone's business

 

[Carrie76]

Thank you all! I just didn't know if I was being too touchy about it all but I'm glad you would have all felt the same. The more I think about it the crosser I get. I'm going to phone in the morning. This is the first time anyone has ever questioned or even mentioned anything about Ethan being bottle fed, I was encouraged in the hospital to breastfeed but never felt pushed or was NEVER made to feel bad about it from my HV or any of the midwives.

Arrggg my blood is boiling. My hubby is making my cuppa to try and calm me down, lol x

 

[Dream.A.Dream]

I would have been very offended xx

 

[pip2009]

How bloody rude! I would've been offended too and I don't blame you for wanting to complain. By the way, I absolutely LOVE your profile pic - he looks so adorable wrapped up like that!

 

[Jody R]

I don't know if I'd be offended but I'd be angry.

It doesn't matter what his opinion is, he's three months too late to be any use in giving it and you had already explained (unnecessarily as you shouldn't have to justify yourself to him) why you were unable to BF when LO was born.

He is a doctor and is there to give a professional opinion, not a personal one, and he overstepped the mark there.

If in his professional opinion BF babies suffer less from reflux he could have told you that in a less confrontational way but even so, at three months old, it's too late for you to do anything about it so he should be concentrating on offering you advice you can follow now. It's not like you have a time machine or like you had any choice about your LO being in special baby care or your low milk supply.

 

[bubbles123]

Yes, I'd be offended. As it's a feeding related problem it's fair enough to ask how he's fed but that's it. I would complain. It's rude and unnecessary not to mention pointless when that ship has sailed! No wonder so many women feel such guilt when they can't/don't BF. Personally if it was me I would have asked him how many babies he had successfully BF'd and if he hadn't fed any (!!) would tell him to shut up!

 

[laura_jayne]

yeah people can be well harsh if you dont BF. I managed it for 6 weeks and then went onto formula and felt there was so little support for formula feeding mums. and whenever i tell people that i dont BF anymore they agive me that look... not nice!

 

[Lauraxamy]

How rude he shouldn't ask why then try lecture you about BF, I would be very offended and angry, deff write that letter of complaint x

 

[MoonMuffin]

How rude! I would certainly complain! Some women just can't BF, no need to make you feel bad about it

 

[WW1]

Yes I would definitely be offended! How rude.

 

[aob1013]

Firstly, he is man so has NO idea how hard breastfeeding is

I'd be horrified, it's none of his business ... i'd definately make a song and dance about it!x

 

[Jolinar]

Yeah I'd be offended especially after spending weeks trying to get full BFing established and things not working out, he'd have had a telling off. I would definitely complain.

 

[kermie219]

ooh I would have been very offended! I always get slack for giving formula...I can bf in the mornings but that's it the rest of the day she refuses and freaks out and it works for us! To be honest they probably need to know what type of feeders baby's are but they definately have no right to lecture you on your choice of food for your child! Jeez what is the deal with these people?? It's formula not freaking poison! ridiculous!

 

[Eve]

I understand him asking how baby is fed... as some problems can be from breastfeeding/formula feeding but to ask why you didn't and be mean about it was wrong! Yes, breastfeeding is best nutritionally for baby, but sometimes it isn't best for mom and baby in other ways, and honestly some people just don't want to, so it's not fair to jump down your throat because you went with formula. I personally would love to see all Mommas breastfeed but that wouldn't/couldn't happen and I sure wouldn't sit there and tell a mother she is wrong for not doing so. I get asked if I am breastfeeding each time I am act the doctor and I get praised for it by them, which makes me feel good!! I don't know what I would do if someone told me I wasn't doing good for my baby I guess I do understand where you are coming from too as when I feed my baby ib public I get looks like I am digusting and doing something wrong... so BNB and the doctor makes me feel good for what I am doing, but the general public makes me feel like a sicko!