Dr. Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding

has anyone else read this? i picked it up the other day & am about half way through. i'm really loving it so far! he's so no nonsense & practical. sometimes he gets a bit rant-y about the current medical system & the way it can absolutely screw up the breastfeeding relationship, which i think might be off-putting for some, but since i find myself totally agreeing with his points, i'm really enjoying it. i also like what he has to say about how promoting the belief that artifically feeding our children is "almost as good as" BFing is doing a real disservice to our (women, families) right to make informed decisions. it's not so much that he thinks formula is "bad" or should be done away with - but that we a) don't truly inform women of the benefits of BFing & the potential risks of formula feeding & b) we too quickly jump to artificially feeding at the first sign of trouble when what we should really be doing is educating & supporting to help avoid problems in the first place. anyway, i'd love to know what others think.

ETA: corrected spelling of his name. :blush:

 

I'll have to pick that up! Whenever I see articles of his online, I am VERY impressed. The only way the guy could possibly know anything more about BFing would be if he could do it himself! :lol: Seriously, he knows everything.

 

LOL!

There's someone on here, who's a big fan of his because I keep seeing the links over and over again.

 

I haven't read his book, but I read articles on his website A LOT when I was nursing and found his videos really helpful as well.

What I don't get is why some of the leading breastfeeding researchers like Newman and Hale (for medications while nursing) are male? :blink:

Hmm, thinking about it some more makes me realize that it's probably a gender thing; men have to analyze it while women just DO IT! :lol:

 

I keep coming across his stuff on the web and am really interested and impressed. I will have to look into that book.

To the PP--that's great! Love it!

 

I'm also a big Jack Newman fan. I haven't read his book, but I've read everything on his website. There is a documentary about him on CBC radio as well. When I was at my wits end after bringing the girls home and having so much difficulty, I emailed him one evening, and there was a reply waiting for me the next morning! He gave really good advice, and included a prescription for domperidone "just in case" I needed it! I took his advice and started finger-feeding, lot of skin-to-skin, and found a lactation consultant who incidentally had trained under him, and after 3.5mos, my girls finally successfully latched on. Now at almost 7months, they are breastfeeding pros and have totally fattened up.
I find it sad that his clinic has been kicked out of the hospital system, and that he constantly has to fight for funding and donations. Such an essential service should definitely be covered under OHIP!! Think of all the money being saved in the long run by helping more mothers & babies become successful at breastfeeding! Just another example of the governments short-sightedness!!

Melissa

 

you mean the money NOT going to formula companies? that right there is why he's fighting to stay funded. :headbang: so stupid.

that's so awesome that you were able to get some helpful advice right from the source! i'd heard you could email him directly, but you're the first person i've met that's actually done it. :good:

 

I found it so amazing that I could write this doctor and he would reply...and within hours at that!! I was so thankful to have that help when I was feeling so alone and ready to give up. Especially not living near enough to Toronto to be able to go into his clinic, having this alternative way to still contact him and receive help was really incredible.

 

I had an pre natal appointment with Dr. Newman when I was pregnant with my twins. He and his clinic are great. He and his lactation specialists are amazing and so knowledgeable. Appointments at the clinic are not 100% covered by OHIP, but they are subsidized by OHIP. It costs about $30 for a visit (or it did in Sept. 2008 when I was there). Because I'm a non resident Canadian, I don't have OHIP anymore. I had to pay the non subsidized price which was $90.

I also emailed him when my twins were newborns and I had a reply within 15 minutes. It would have been about 5am Toronto time! I don't think the man sleeps! His reply was a bit brusque and I felt a bit scolded, but I don't think he has time to sugar coat his replies.

 

That is a common complaint I have heard from mothers...that he does not have the best bedside manner! The radio documentary about him also brought this up. I think you're right though, he is SO busy, it never stops for him, and he must just be constantly frustruated when mothers come to him with problems that he thinks would be avoidable if only there was the right knowledge and support given by other health professionals!!

Melissa

 

after reading his book, i'm not surprised. he doesn't sound like someone who sugar coats anything. :laughing:

was his advice at least helpful?

 

I have his book--it is great! and I love the little doses of humour that sneak in.

My DD is currently feeding constantly in the morning hours (8-noon) (hey, better than midnight!) but I just keep saying to myself, if that is what she needs, my body will keep up and make more milk for her.

Do you think oatmeal bars are as good for breastfeeding as oatmeal...because they are a lot easier to open and eat while breastfeeding... :lol: