Tuesday, September 24, 2013

The Mommy and The Pediatrician

I am both of these all the time, however sometimes one side wins over the other. At work I am a Pediatrician first and a Mommy second. Being a Pediatrician first allows me to do my job objectively and being a Mommy second allows me to have a level of empathy and compassion for my patients and their families. At home I am the reverse. I am first a Mommy and second a Pediatrician. I am never able to be just one and I wouldn't want to be. I love both of my roles, equally but differently. At home I love being a Mommy and not thinking too much about my job as a pediatrician. These roles collide a little differently however when my baby is sick. Amelia is only 5 weeks old and has her first illness. She is snotty, coughing, sleeping more than normal and not eating super great. I wish I could do more for her than suction her nose and use a humidifier. I know she doesn't need to go to the doctor, nothing they can do that I'm not already doing. I know if she has a fever we have to go to the ER and she has to have all sorts of tests run to make sure it's just a cold and not something serious. I know what to watch for if she is dehydrated. I KNOW she is ok, just a little cold. My Pediatrician brain tells me this. However, my Mommy brain tells me that my baby is sick and that makes me sad.

4 comments:

  1. Sweet Amelia is one lucky little girl to have an awesome Momma like you!

    xoxox

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  2. Awww...bless her heart. I remember Parker having all those same things close to her age. :( Poor honey! I hope she feels so much better quick quick!

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  3. it's the WORST! :( Poor Mommy...little one will most likely be just fine in a week...but poor Mommy! That first cold is far harder on you!! I hate that they have to go to the ED for a fever those first few months...I get the rationale behind it, but that window made me feel absolutely nuts this go around! Here's hoping you make it through that period without any major problems. Hope she feels better!!

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  4. My first baby got the dreaded fever. We went to the ER and I had not idea how scary ALL those test would be. a lumbar puncture on a week old is very traumatic to a mommy's heart. Saying a prayer she is feeling better son and you have peace of mind:) BTW wish I had half your baby knowledge:)

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