Okay, I finally get it. I totally understand how important it is to really like your child's pediatrician. My mom told me, my sister told me, you guys all told me-- & still, I just kind of shrugged it off. I mean, I vented and moaned and groaned about Dr. Obsessive (probably more often than you guys cared to read), but I also felt like making a change might've been a bigger hassle than I felt like dealing with. I was becoming indifferent.
Then came yesterday. Camden has been sick for the past few days, and after wiping a particularly gushy nose yesterday morning, I decided to go ahead and call the pediatrician. The doctor available was the same man I'd tried (unsuccessfully) to reschedule Camden's appointment with a month ago. And you guys, he was awesome. Amazing with Camden.
Knowing that Camden was in the throes of stranger anxiety, he walked quietly into the examination room. (He won points with me at that moment. Dr. Obsessive used to barge in with a "HELLLOOOOO, HOW ARE WEEEE DOING?!" and send Camden into hysterical tears right off the bat.) He talked quietly to Camden from across the room while Camden studied his face uncertainly. Then, before checking Camden's ears, he walked over and showed Camden all of the equipment he was going to use. He let Camden touch it. Bottom line: he took his time to make sure Camden felt comfortable with him-- something that Dr. O never did. She was always rushed, talking 90 miles an hour, and practically leaving a cloud of dust behind as she sprinted out of the room after a 5 minute meeting.
I seriously could've hugged Dr. Wonderful. Even though he diagnosed my poor baby with an ear infection. He was kind, attentive, understanding, and patient. And he got bonus points for giving Camden a toy taped together out of two tongue depressors.
I understand now. It's kind of like dating. You don't know what you're missing when you're dating all of the wrong people. Maybe they're not awful, maybe they're even good people who mean well-- but they don't wow you. Then you meet the one who does wow you, & you wonder how on earth you put up with all of that mediocrity before.
Dr. Wonderful is The One.
(Don't worry-- he couldn't stand in for Dr. McSteamy on Grey's. He's older than my father. He's The One in a strictly professional sense. ;)
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
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10 comments:
He is wonderful and I knew you'd love him. He is definitely your pediatrican soulmate. :)
what a wonderful way to put it!! I am so glad you and Camden had such a good experience, even though your sweets is sick.
What a great Dr. for making sure Camden was comfortable. It is hard enough taking a sick kid in, doctors certainly don't need to make it worse.
awww yay!
Yay! I'm so happy that you found a good doctor! I agree, the ones that really spend the time and energy to bond with your child are keepers. Poor Cam and his ear infection! I hope it clears soon! Give him hugs for me.
so glad you found the ped of your dreams! hah...Gage had his 1st ear infection last week as well:( we're still dealing w/ a runny nose, we're on week 3 I think.
So great to hear that you have such confidence with Dr. W! I am super impressed with his bedside manner and allowing Camden to touch the medical equipment before using it. That really helps the child to understand what is going to be happening to them and takes the fear out of the unknown object.
It's always nice when you find a good pediatrician to ease your fears. I hope your sons feels better soon!
I'd like to invite you to an awesome mommy forum, where there are lots of fun things to learn and some very cool ladies to share an get advice from. Come check it out. :)
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Char
You're so funny.
I'm soooooo glad you found the one. It seriously make a difference, doesn't it? I think it's so important for doctors to be respectful of babies. They are people after all. I really like it when Lucas' doctors go to eye level and say hello before examining him.
Well done, Camden too! Hope you feel better soon!
You are right about finding a good fit. We love our pediatrician for the same reason, she gets on their level. At John's last appointment when she walked in he was playing on the floor - so she sat right down and played with him while she did the exam.
On another note - I just read some of your prior posts and wanted to give you some words of encouragement. John was similar to Camden in that his weight plateaued around the same age. Our pedi attributed it to becoming so active, and not being interested in table food AT ALL (he was just nursing and having pumped milk while I was at work at that point). At every attempt to feed him he would stick his tongue out and say "Ahhhhugh" with disgust!
Like with every other phase though, he flipped a switch and just the week before his 1 year well visit started eating us out of house and home!
It's easy to get nervous about everything as a new mom, but just trust your "gut" and it will all be fine. And good for you for shopping around for a pedi, it makes such a difference!
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