(I know it's a tiny bit scary but...Lars makes this face all the time.)
I took Lars to the doctor today for his 12-month checkup and it was fine, he got his shots, he's doing great, whatever, but I was slightly annoyed that the doctor (a new one whom I'd never met before) emphasized 5 or 6 times during the 15-minute visit--always with a big smile--that I "need" to take away Lars's binky "cold turkey" "right away." Really? Because, I completely disagree. I mean I don't completely disagree, because obviously pacifiers aren't exactly the most healthy things for babies, but I just felt like it was a weird thing to mention so many times. Secondly, she instructed me to retract his foreskin to clean it every day (sorry for using That Word again). In other words, I'm pretty sure I will not be going back to that particular doctor.
One thing she had going for her was that she was the first doctor I've talked to who speculated that his 104-degree fever which required hospitalization in December, could possibly have had something to do with the 7 vaccinations he had received the day before.
I wish I could find a doctor for my kids whom I see eye to eye with, who takes a holistic approach, maybe who leans more toward the crunchy side than most, while also very much a medical doctor who has a real degree and prescribes real medications, and who also takes my insurance. Heck, I wish I could find a doctor for me like that too.
I want to emphasize 2 things, (1) being that I am forever grateful to be living in a time when technology and information exchange facilitate the opportunity for such healthy living for most Americans and (2) being that I have been so fortunate thus far in that I haven't had to bring my kids in with a serious medical issue except for the one time with Lars. So far, for the checkups and occasional sick appointments and with my own medical care, I have generally just been doing research myself and coming to appointments ready to discuss options. But with the doctors I have seen in my life in general, I feel like there is an element of trust there that is lacking. Going both ways. What to do?
he's only one for heaven's sakes. I'm going to let Moses keep his binkie for a while. Why traumatize both of us unnecessarily? I definitely think you need to find a new doctor.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if its a good thing or not but I feel like doctors here are pretty laid back. Oh, Moses sitll wakes up 2 - 3 times a night? no worries. He still breastfeeds a lot? That's good for him. etc.
Also, on a different note, yes Mosey and Lars need to hang out!
I always smile when doctors says stuff that I don't agree with. I am in love with our pediatrician... Seriously, it's a good thing he's 65. He is so laid back about non-important things like how long a child can have a binky for, but right on track with stuff that worries me.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find someone you like... Or love for that matter!
Usually a doctor who recommends you take a way a binky does not have children of their own or does not care for their own children.
ReplyDeleteThat's funnily annoying. The dental hygienist told Scott who is 4 and a half to stop sucking his thumb. I was like, you don't tell my son that! Tell me and I'll figure it out with him. But then I realized, he's four and a half. And I also thought, who cares as long as he learns not to do it at school? He'll need braces no matter what. Okay, so yeah, he should probably stop sucking his thumb at some point...
ReplyDeleteAnd I hate not feeling like I get along well with doctors! Hey, there's a girl from my hometown who is LDS and is a family practicioner who lives in the area (I don't know how far away) but her name is Kate Hare and I can see her totally being accepting to your view point. She's super smart and has a really good blog and went to a good med school which all equals a good doctor, right? Hopefully.
This is a challenge I have had with most of my doctors. I have found that I am lucky if I find one that I get along well with and feel like they trust me, (you know, believe what I say and not treat me like I don't know anything). If I find that then I kind of agree to disagree on things like pacifiers.
ReplyDeleteI was very lucky to have had great pediatricians. The first one was a lot older - I'm sure he retired after we moved away from Utah. And you remember Dr. Lokeitz - he was great. The ones after that were not memorable - but were not bad. I count myself very fortunate indeed. I have liked my personal doctors too. And my dentists. I have had a doctor and a dentist I could not abide - saw each of them exactly one time!
ReplyDeleteAnd you all know how I feel about people who suggest you take away a binky. I say, "If you want it taken away, come live here and manage the transition - and then I'll think about it!"
In case this says it's Phoebe talking, it's Mom - at Phoebe's house.
I totally relate to this post 100%. Why is that perfect doctor so totally nonexistent? It is so frustrating. I dislike doctors that hand out parenting advice. They didnt get a degree in parenting; they got one in treating illnesses. And they barely know our kids as it is. Leave it to Mom to decide when and how to move away from the binky.
ReplyDeletejust read the comments and had to say that i know kate hare. she is a good friend of brighams and she is really awesome. maybe she should be my dr too?
ReplyDelete