Proud - but didn't think it was that unusual!

[naget]

My poor DD managed to come with several nasty bugs all at the once (+ two new teeth) and has been quite ill for the last 2 weeks. Although I knew there was nothing I could really do medicine wise... after the end of the 1st week I took her to the docs to just make sure I was doing the right thing to help her get better (or even sleep would be a bonus). DD is now 10 months and is b/f on demand. My intention is to make it to 1 yr then to just play the whole thing by ear. We have until now only had to go to the docs for vacc's. He's never asked how she was being fed cuz she's been doing fine weight wise so it's been a non-issue really.

The doctor asked what we were doing for her and we told him then he asked about fluids. He said automatically not to worry if she'd gone off her bottle but give her water etc... I was like 'ummm is b/f fine? Cuz we've just been doing it on demand" And he kinda stopped... looked me and went "omg you're still b/fing? That's FANTASTIC" And went on for a bit...

I was a little stunned TBH... I really didn't think i'd be in the minority? I'm all for people doing what ever works for them but I was sure that b/f and f/f would be about a 50/50 split? Am i assuming wrong??

[Laksa]

Unfortunately, breastfeeding rates in Australia are pretty bad. 10 months and more SHOULD be normal but it isn't :(

But isn't it great when your bub is sick and you know you can provide nutrition AND comfort? :cloud9:

[Just*Ace]

That's great that your dr is so supportive and impressed! I have read alot of stories about very ignorant dr's on here and even my own dr said I shouldn't have a supply problem coz I have big breasts! So good on your dr for actually knowing how great bf'ing is!

[NonnyMouse]

DS is nearly 18 months and went 5 days without food when he was sick. The doc said the same as yours re fluids etc, and I said I'm just giving him breastmilk about 12 times a day... and I got such a big smile from her and she said that it was not only great for helping him recover, but perfect for a sore throat because it's nice and bland and slippery down the throat.

[NibbleCurlynBub]

Sadly it is really rare, such a low percentage of babies are actually BFed past 6 months. It is sad.

BUT YAY for you!! That is GREAT that the Dr would take time to congratulate and encourage you, how awesome of him!! :thumbsup: We need more doctors like that!!

It really is special, my 18 month old is still BFed a LOT and he just spent his first day (one day per week) at FDC with a lovely friend and when I got back, he was SO pleased to see me and ran up and snuggled in and we sat and had a boob.
It was great, so calming for both of us and at his age, he gets so much reassurance that the world is right. :cloud9:

[Leisa21]

Yep it's often greeted with a happy shocked look. DS had rotavirus gastro at 10 months and lived on the boob for a week. The dr asked how I managed to keep him so well hydrated. I said he's been on the boob 24/7. She smiled and said wow that's great, you'll do just fine.

Also on Tuesday I had an appt with my midwife. I'm 28 weeks and she asked how I planned to feed and how I went with DS. I said he was breastfed for two years. I swear she nearly kissed me lol.

You should be proud and I hope your little one feels better soon :goodvibes:

[Gandalf]

According to the ABA (http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/advocacy/plan.html):

While the initiation rates in Australia are reasonable the failure to continue is marked. 84.6% are breastfeeding when they are discharged from hospital, only 61.2% are feeding at 10 weeks and 48.4% at 24 weeks.4 (http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/advocacy/plan.html#ref) There is a very steep decline in the number of breastfed infants between 2 and 6 weeks.
but i do remember reading somewhere that by about 24weeks, only about half the babys receiving breastmilk are still 'exclusively' breastfed - i guess it just depends on whether they're being supplemented with food or formula.

but yes, its definitely quite a minority by 10 months. so :smiliedance::smiliedance::smiliedance: for your awesome achievement

[naget]

Thanks everyone! :flowerz: Leisa she is definately on the mend... is back to being her bossy old self! I think I am just lazy TBH! :laughing: FF takes soooo much more effort IMO

It is sad to see that BFing isnt common in bubs older than 6 months and your posts all made think about the mums i know IRL and I've just realised that theres only two mums with young bubs out of the approx 15 that i know who BF. I think i might make a point of asking why this week out of pure interest. :detective:

Kudos to all those mums who are bfing still too :smiliedance: