doctor
Audrey went to the doctor today for her four-month well baby visit. We have been seeing the same doctor since Patrick was born. James doesn’t necessarily care for her. I don’t think she has the best bedside manner but she has always seemed competent. But I don’t know what to make of today’s visit.
James took Audrey to her first visit, when she was four days old. I think the doctor was surprised that dad was bringing her and not mom, but as I couldn’t drive, we would have had to bring both children, and I … well, I don’t like doctors. The week or so before an appointment is scheduled, I will feel it hanging over my head with a sort of impending doom. This applies to visits for me or, it turns out, for my kids. Baby visits are particularly trying for me, because I don’t keep track of any of the things you’re supposed to. How often does she eat? For how long? How many wet diapers? The honest answers are: whenever she wants, however long she wants, and I don’t know. I mean, I sort of know, but I also don’t always notice when she just has a wet diaper; it doesn’t really seem to bother her. I don’t really go with the intent to lie to the doctor, but it feels a little dishonest nonetheless.
Anyway, at her first visit, she was fine. Bring her back in two months, they said. At her two-month visit, OMG THE HORROR SHE HAS NOT GAINED WEIGHT APPROPRIATELY. She was fine. The doctor was flipping out. But it could have been worse, I have to give the doctor credit. She didn’t suggest supplementing with formula, she just wanted to see her again in a month. One month later, and three months, Audrey still had not gained weight appropriately. She had only gained a pound. The doctor put her on baby Zantac for acid reflux. She said maybe at her next visit we could discuss starting cereal.
“I’d heard you were supposed to wait until six months,” I said.
“Oh, there’s not any evidence that it matters if you wait until six months,” she said. “You can introduce cereal at four months.”
So today, Audrey has gained … one pound. The doctor is thrilled. “I’m not concerned at all anymore,” she said. “Everything looks perfect.” Um, okay.
I mentioned I gave Audrey some baby oatmeal last night.
“Now, you know, you should wait until six months,” she said. “There is an increased risk of allergies if you give before six months. You need to start with a single grain cereal, like rice.”
The oatmeal said on the package that it was single grain oatmeal. So I said as much.
“Oh but it’s not,” she said. “It’s multi-grain.”
Well, whatever. Then she asked if we’d had flu shots. Audrey is not eligible so the rest of us MUST DO SO IMMEDIATELY.
I told her we haven’t. I have gotten them at a work clinic before, but since I didn’t go back to work … I didn’t get a shot. Patrick’s never had one. I am undecided how I feel about flu shots. But! I had seen a flyer when I checked in that said there was a flu shot clinic tonight. So I asked her about it.
“Oh there might be,” she said. “I’m always the last to know about these things.”
So. I am not exactly overwhelmed by confidence that this woman has any idea what she’s talking about. Argh.
Posted by Molly
at 6:12 PM EST