Sample complaint letter about a GP who is undermining breastfeeding

I am writing a complaint regarding my experience seeing Dr x for my baby’s 6-8 week check. I have been exclusively breastfeeding my baby since he was born and he has been putting weight on very well. He is currently on the 91st centile, has adequate wet and dirty nappies and is well. I breastfeed him responsively. Responsive breastfeeding is recommended by the NHS and WHO as the evidence shows that this is crucial to establishing and maintaining milk supply and also to provide babies with love, comfort and reassurance. 

I am concerned that my GP suggested that despite my baby thriving on my breastmilk, I should schedule feedings every 2 hours and give formula top ups. This goes against WHO and NHS guidance but also has the potential to undermine mothers. I am concerned there is not an understanding of how breastfeeding works, if the understanding of the fundamentals of breastfeeding are not there. 

This is particularly problematic as the UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the developed world. In the last infant feeding survey, breastfeeding initiation rate was 81%, with exclusive breastfeeding rates at 24% at 6 weeks and 12% at 4 months. The WHO recommendation is exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life until the introduction of complementary solids, yet the UK has an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 1% at 6 months. There are many reasons for this but at least in part it is due to the lack of understanding of how breastfeeding works amongst many health care professionals. The advice given by Dr x, if given to someone who did not have an understanding of breastfeeding, could disrupt and tank breastmilk supply as well totally undermining a new mother’s confidence. I was told sometimes breastmilk isn’t enough, which in my circumstances is absolutely unacceptable. It is easy to see why breastfeeding rates in the U.K. are low they are if women are given such advice. 

The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding where possible means babies are less likely to develop infections, and thy receive protection against diarrhoea and common childhood illnesses as well as long term benefits such as protecting against obesity in childhood and adolescence. It is a public health matter and no one should recommended topping up with formula unless the mother wants to or it is medically indicated. 

I have provided links below with further education for both parents and health care professionals about breastfeeding: 

https://gpifn.org.uk/breastfeeding/

https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/breastfeeding-the-dangerous-obsession-with-the-infant-feeding-interval/