"7 Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe"

Gradstudent78 · Dec 12, 2008

Originally Posted by grimslade

I've met a lot of pediatricians, and I've never heard one say that formula is better.

It's not just a matter of one being better then another, but having practical as well as scientific knowledge of breast feeding practices.

Physicians Ask for More Problem-Solving Information to Promote and Support Breastfeeding
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
Volume 105, Issue 12, December 2005, Pages 1943-1947

Physicians (n=262) were surveyed about their breastfeeding promotion practices, knowledge, and areas in which they need more information in order to be more influential with patients in the initiation and duration of the process. Over half (51%) reported no or limited education in breastfeeding, whereas only 9% reported adequate education. A knowledge assessment indicated almost half (42%) did not know certain viruses can be transmitted through breast milk. There were also mixed responses to the need for vitamin D supplementation. Promotion practices included most (82%) thinking the physician has a primary role in the feeding decision, and most did discuss the benefits with patients; however, only 54% would recommend breastfeeding to a patient who had decided to bottle-feed. Problem-solving was the main area physicians reported needing more education. Partnerships with dietetics professionals may fill the gaps in the support needed to increase rates of breastfeeding.

Resident Physicians' Knowledge of Breastfeeding and Infant Growth
Birth, Volume 27 Issue 1, Pages 49 - 53

It is well documented that breastfed infants grow differently from formula-fed infants. The purpose of this study was to assess resident physicians' knowledge of breastfeeding and infant growth. Methods:A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was administered to family medicine and pediatric resident physicians from three large, hospital-based public and private programs in North Carolina. Results:One hundred and seven (46%) of 235 residents completed the study, representing 55 percent of family medicine residents and 39 percent of pediatric residents. Ninety-nine percent of participants reported frequently or always plotting infant growth at well-child visits. None reported plotting breastfed babies on a chart specific to breastfeeding. Only 5 percent of participants knew that breastfed infants grew at a slower velocity than formula-fed infants after 4 months of age. This knowledge was not significantly related to specialty, year of training, or gender; it was significantly related to breastfeeding experience (p < 0.04). Of the residents who did not have personal experience with breastfeeding, 99 percent answered incorrectly compared with 88 percent of those who had some personal experience in breastfeeding. Conclusions:In this sample of family medicine and pediatric residents, almost all were unaware that breastfed infants grow at slower rates after 4 months of age. Since the frequency of breastfeeding is increasing in the United States, it is important that physicians be able to monitor the growth of breastfed infants accurately and provide expert counseling for breastfeeding mothers.

Jumbie · Dec 12, 2008

Originally Posted by Astan

After all too much water can lead to low sodium and even water poisoning which can cause death.

It would be uncommon for someone without a medical condition to drink enough to become hyponatremic and in order to get water intoxication (which can result in death), you'd literally have to hook yourself up to a hose.

However, both are technically correct.

thinman · Dec 12, 2008

Here's a summary of very recent study of breast milk and why it helps babies build immunity to intestinal infections such as cholera: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1026101713.htm The original article was published in the Nov. 1 Journal of Immunology.

whodini · Dec 12, 2008

Just another +1 on breastfeeding as a positive. I have no idea how any licensed doctor would be taught otherwise.

SField · Dec 12, 2008

Originally Posted by Gradstudent78

I think a little of what Hamish was saying is over the top, but they do get a lot of free material (pamphlets, formula samples, etc) from formula companies and a lot of doctor breastfeeding knowledge isn't that great.

There is not a doctor on the face of the planet who would agree with you. If you find one, run away very fast.

Gradstudent78 · Dec 12, 2008

Originally Posted by SField

There is not a doctor on the face of the planet who would agree with you. If you find one, run away very fast.

What wouldn't they agree with?

SField · Dec 12, 2008

Originally Posted by Jumbie

It would be uncommon for someone without a medical condition to drink enough to become hyponatremic and in order to get water intoxication (which can result in death), you'd literally have to hook yourself up to a hose.

However, both are technically correct.

Yes, flush out your bodily salts you'd have to basically be sweating constantly and rehydrating non stop. I know of a marathon runner who did that, and interestingly, the landscaper at my building when I lived in CT had this happen to him. I discovered him, collapsed in 95 degree heat. He began work that day at 5am and I found him near 7pm. He wanted to get all the work done, alone, so he could save money and get to his daughter's birthday party the next day. Poor guy basically drank himself into sodium deficiency and I'm sure had heat stroke as well.

Sesame Seed · Dec 13, 2008

Originally Posted by why

Uhhh...milk is good for stronger bones.

Apparently, milk is also good for f****** the heart

I can't believe that there are people falling for that "˜8 glasses of water a day' garbage. That is the oldest trick in the book. My grandfather only drinks coke and beer, and he was doing flips at 66. He's 81 now and like an ox. He never drinks water and I do mean never. I've never seen him drink water in my lifetime.

Prince · Dec 13, 2008

Originally Posted by Astan

My dad is a doctor and he told me the 8 glasses thing is BS and that you should drink as much as you are thristy. After all too much water can lead to low sodium and even water poisoning which can cause death.

Don't agree with this. When you have a thirsty feeling, you already had too less to drink before that point. If you drink enough (water for instance) you won't feel thirsty very often, besides when you are working out or something like that.

And too much water can cause death, but then we are talking about litres in the space of minutes rather than hours.

Jumbie · Dec 13, 2008

Originally Posted by Sesame Seed

My grandfather only drinks coke and beer, and he was doing flips at 66. He's 81 now and like an ox. He never drinks water and I do mean never. I've never seen him drink water in my lifetime.

Thanks for your anecdote.

I know several old people who have smoked a **** ton of cigarettes over their lives and didn't get cancer. Based on that, I have concluded that smoking doesn't cause cancer.

Sesame Seed · Dec 13, 2008

Originally Posted by Jumbie

Thanks for your anecdote.

I know several old people who have smoked a **** ton of cigarettes over their lives and didn't get cancer. Based on that, I have concluded that smoking doesn't cause cancer.

I forgot to mention that my grandfather also smokes and he was actually prescribed cigarettes to stop nose bleeds as a younger man (in Macedonia). He has not stopped since. That’s 60 years of smoking. When your time comes, it comes. Just trying to rationalise everything and come up with some scientific reason as to why subject A leads to subject B, is a load of bollocks. Some things are out of our hands.

Jumbie · Dec 13, 2008

Nevermind.

I was going to reply and then decided it would just be a waste of time.

globetrotter · Dec 13, 2008

Originally Posted by whodini

Just another +1 on breastfeeding as a positive. I have no idea how any licensed doctor would be taught otherwise.

+1. my kids are huge and healthy, based on my wife's exceptional gestational skills and breastfeeding.

SField · Dec 13, 2008

Originally Posted by Jumbie

Nevermind.

I was going to reply and then decided it would just be a waste of time.

Seriously, I know it's hard, but let the apes wallow in their ignorance.

TowleY · Dec 13, 2008

very interesting....

"7 Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe"

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