Week 37: Pediatrician Visit

So, around week 35 I guess, my doctor game me a list of Pediatricians in the area and told me to go ahead and pick one out. I know that it's important to find a Pediatrician that I like, especially considering how often I would be seeing them that first year, but I don't really feel comfortable doing 'interviews.' I mean; do you really think they would say something so far off that you would think "Oh, they are a bad doctor who I don't want my kid going to"??!!

We narrowed down the list and then decided on a group practice (I like group practices!), who my OB/GYN seems to really like anyways. They had a decent webpage (some info seemed old, but it was actually helpful I thought) and looking at 'reviews' online, they seemed good. So, I called to set things up (That seemed to be what we had to do, right?). However, the nurse wouldn't just set us up; I had to come into their monthly group introduction. Ok, ok - I suppose a group meeting would be ok...

Actually - the group meeting was great! There was quite a bit of people there which surprised me- maybe 9 couples or so. We sat together in their lobby and met with one of the Doctors from the practice. We got a packet of information to start off, with pamphlets about "Your and Your Pediatrician" and baby sleeping and the like, as well as their offer information like expected visits for the first 6 years (with a list of shots and other tests) their hours, a breast-feeding record sheet, list of accepted insurance, articles about nursing/shots/breastfeeding and support groups.

The doctor was very candid with the group of us and went over the practice and basic info, then what happens at the hospital- which I found SUPER helpful! Apparently, we don't even 'register' with a doctor before going to the hospital- we just show up and give the hospital a name and they call the doctor to us... very causal, lol. But, the doctor went over the tests, how long the hospital stay is, the fact that because most people leave within 36 hours, they have the babies come back into the office at 4 days instead of waiting 2 weeks (like he said- how can they REALLY tell how the baby is after such a short period of time?), shots given at birth, how they make their round and the like. It was very helpful!

The next FABULOUS thing to learn was that this practice has their own nursing consultant on staff who is available to help us with breastfeeding. And she sometimes can even come to your home, if need be! She also heads a few support groups - a great plus to know it is there, even though I'm usually not inclined to use those type of services.

The other good thing, although I'm sure many offices have something similar - they have Walk-in Sick Clinic hours in the early morning every day and on Saturday. This is nice because sometimes I'm sure you just want to come in and SEE someone, rather than call. Oh! On that note - the calls during office hours are free- after hours it is $15 unless we just saw them that day. And he was very good about explaining what happens on Sundays for sick patients. Basically, he said that if it's something normal, they will give the regular advice or set up an appointment. If it's something that is more serious - like an ear infection- he doesn't like to prescribe anything without seeing the baby (makes sense to me). However, since it's Sunday and they are mostly doing hospital rounds, they will usually send you to the emergency room instead of seeing the baby themselves. That way you get the most immediate care. I think that makes sense - he says sometimes they can stop by the office to see the baby, but in most cases it's better for everyone to just go to the emergency room for the most immediate care.

So, I was overall pretty happy with the office visit and the doctor we met with. The office itself was clean and had all the 'normal' stuff that the articles and webpages online say they should have: separate areas for sick and non-sick patients (they also normally do sick patient appointments in the morning and 'well' visits in the afternoon), clean, etc.

Yay! We have our doctor! And if we decide we don't like the practice; we'll switch to someone else ;)

Breastfeeding tips in public- would you, or not?

When is comes to breastfeeding her child, no mother no matter where they are or what the situation they might be, wont hesitate to look for a private space to nurse her hungry baby. I've been in situations like this and always found a ladies change room or a cabin restaurant when am out shopping and dining to nurse my babies. But it continues to be a very sensitive and controversial topic! Even if women are granted their rights to breastfeed in public, they would feel uncomfortable and if they prefer to feed in public they are liable to attract prowling eyes, so its always better to retreat to a private place like a restroom. The duration of feeds of a newborn can be from frequent to longer gaps so we are always unprepared. AT home baby sleeps for hours until he awakes to nurse but when we are outside our homes, anything might disturb him making him wants to nurse. At first all mothers tend to react strangely while out with the child but soon they get in tune at nursing out. Mostly the infant/baby prefers the quietness of his own home and they cant even share the bonding like home.

Few things a breastfeeding mom can do for more comfort

Pull up tops tend to be easier and more discreet than button-front tops, and if you wear one with a wide or square neck then you can look down the top to help your baby latch on.

Once your baby is latched on, you could put a muslin square, baby blanket or large scarf across your shoulder and chest – your baby will hide your tummy, but it might help you feel a little more confident in the early days.

If you have trouble positioning your baby properly when you’re out and about, try either putting one leg across the other to raise your baby up a bit, or keep a small cushion in your car or pushchair basket, so that you can use it to rest your baby on.

Reasons why your baby might bite while breast feeding

Most new mothers don't understand why their infants suddenly start the biting habit while breast feeding, but not only at breast feeding, sometimes infants try to put everything they get hold off into their mouths. I myself didn't know why when i was a first time mom but was experienced enough to know all about it for the second kid of mine.

This comes with the possibility of teething which is the most common reason and those once contended babies no more remain the same, turning cranky and restless sometimes, 24 into 7. They do it to get the soothing sensation on their gum's and not out of vengeance, so don't worry it would stop soon. You got to find solutions to help him ease the irritation and pain. Moreover, your constant comfort would provide him more relief.

Very rarely this turns out a habit they get out of anxiety so never use it to give into his demands or let others do it to them.

Please come back soon for my teething and biting solutions :-)

Caffeine intake in limits is okay for breastfeeding moms

Drinking caffeine in huge amounts during the period of breastfeeding is highly disapproved because the caffeine enters into your blood stream and usually at least 1%, ends up into your breast milk and could have a diverse effect on the infant.

Too much of coffee intake tends to cause irritation, agitation and sleep problems, but as long as the amount is in limits, and as long as the baby's behaviors is in check, its fine for breastfeeding moms to drink just about two/three cups daily.

All babies are different so if your baby shows signs of botheration during even limited intakes, cut it out for a while. Your baby's health is important, as yours :)

Common foods and beverages that contain caffeine include: coffee, Tea, Some soft drinks, Chocolate, Coffee-flavored products such as yogurt and ice cream, Chocolate syrup, Hot cocoa etc.. also shows up in herbal products and medicines. Exercise caution and all is fine :)

7 main benefits of breast feeding

'Breast milk is best for your baby'. You may have heard this several times and you realize it is important for baby and should be strictly followed. But you also need to know while baby benefits from breast milk much much more than a formula drinking baby, it is also beneficial to you, the mother!

1. It is rich in nutrients.

2. Helps fight infections while protecting your baby.

3. Prevents your baby from allergies.

4. No need for washing bottles, preparing formula while baby howls away and those milk spilling messy days.

5. Helps the contraction of the uterus which stretches during the delivery, back to normal.

6. Menstruation delay is also common in breast feeding mothers.

7. Helps build a stronger bond between you and baby.

Mother contented, baby contented.. what could be better sight than a happy, mother baby duo? :)

Please Come back for more articles about breast feeding: how to breast feed, position and timing of breast feeds, mothers diet while breast feeding and lots more!