9 months and 3 days!
We visited the pediatrician this morning. I didn't like most of what she had to say. Curt asked me if I wanted to change doctors but I don't think I'm ready for that either.
At this visit, aside from getting weighed and measured --- she gained two lbs and grew two inches --- her ring finger was pricked to allow for a few drops of blood to be collected into a vial. This was for lead and anemia testing. Apparently, at this age, kids are susceptible to lead poisoning because they put everything in their mouth. Alexandra didn't scream and was intrigued by the band-aid the nurse wrapped around her little finger. Then the doctor came in.
Sitting on the exam table, Alexandra got a full examination: lungs, heart, ears, mouth, etc., and she didn't like it. She yelled and moved around attempting to push away whatever instrument came near her. She screamed and cried, losing her breadth. Only after it was all done could mama and papa console her.
Then came the MEAN instructions from the doctor:
1. Her pacifier must be removed in order to TRAIN her to sleep on her own without any aids.
2. She must go to sleep earlier, around 6:30pm, so she can sleep better through the night!
3. She needs to consolidate her daily naps to ONE nap a day.
No, no and no! Especially #2 makes me angry. I get home from work at 5:30 pm. When would I spend time with her during the week? What an unreasonable thing to ask for. And #1? Sure, I understand that little by little her pacifier will have to be taken away (she doesn't suck her thumb) but before she's even 1?? If it's not the pacifier, it will be something else she attaches to in order to soothe herself to sleep...a doll, a blanket, something!! And #3? She's been fighting her sleep lately. She rubs her eyes and rests her head on my shoulder but when I put her to bed, she refuses and cries. Am I supposed to ignore the signs of sleep and not put her to nap when she's tired? ugh! Call me a protective mother or irrational or whatever else comes to mind...but it seems unnecessary and cruel to "TRAIN" my child this way. I think, in my own inexperienced, well read, constantly researched mothering that these things can be managed at different stages with ease. Sure we have to socialize her but all in due time and at a loving slow natural (yes i said natural) pace!
Your thoughts?
At this visit, aside from getting weighed and measured --- she gained two lbs and grew two inches --- her ring finger was pricked to allow for a few drops of blood to be collected into a vial. This was for lead and anemia testing. Apparently, at this age, kids are susceptible to lead poisoning because they put everything in their mouth. Alexandra didn't scream and was intrigued by the band-aid the nurse wrapped around her little finger. Then the doctor came in.
Sitting on the exam table, Alexandra got a full examination: lungs, heart, ears, mouth, etc., and she didn't like it. She yelled and moved around attempting to push away whatever instrument came near her. She screamed and cried, losing her breadth. Only after it was all done could mama and papa console her.
Then came the MEAN instructions from the doctor:
1. Her pacifier must be removed in order to TRAIN her to sleep on her own without any aids.
2. She must go to sleep earlier, around 6:30pm, so she can sleep better through the night!
3. She needs to consolidate her daily naps to ONE nap a day.
No, no and no! Especially #2 makes me angry. I get home from work at 5:30 pm. When would I spend time with her during the week? What an unreasonable thing to ask for. And #1? Sure, I understand that little by little her pacifier will have to be taken away (she doesn't suck her thumb) but before she's even 1?? If it's not the pacifier, it will be something else she attaches to in order to soothe herself to sleep...a doll, a blanket, something!! And #3? She's been fighting her sleep lately. She rubs her eyes and rests her head on my shoulder but when I put her to bed, she refuses and cries. Am I supposed to ignore the signs of sleep and not put her to nap when she's tired? ugh! Call me a protective mother or irrational or whatever else comes to mind...but it seems unnecessary and cruel to "TRAIN" my child this way. I think, in my own inexperienced, well read, constantly researched mothering that these things can be managed at different stages with ease. Sure we have to socialize her but all in due time and at a loving slow natural (yes i said natural) pace!
Your thoughts?
6 Comments:
Weird and yes, mean! instructions she gave you indeed! I think I agree with you! You know your daughter and your family rythms better than anyone else, so I believe it is your decision! She looks amazing by the way!!! :) Love from Portugal to you 3!
Our doctor never told us any of those things. This guy sounds like a jerk.
You are right Alex. I would ignore the pedi's advice. 6:30 is waaaay too early to go to bed, she'd wake up @ "oh lord hundred" in the AM! Also, the bobo soothes her to sleep, and she'd replace it with something else (Christa hated the bobo and now sucks her thumb). And the baby will go to one nap on her own. I forget when Christa did it, but it happened naturally. Go with your gut.
I don't have kids but I think bedtime at 6:30pm sounds way too early. And your right, it would take away from mommy and daddy time which is so important to you both and for all aspects of her development. Geeze she's a baby, she not starting school yet where it may warrant her going to bed early. I know you will research what s/he said so If you do not feel confident with the pediatrician, you may want to follow Curtis' suggestion. You both know what's best for the princess well being and happiness. Hugs.
Hi Alex-
Thanks so much for your insightful comment at my blog, Mom's New Stage. I hope that you are, as NM said, following your instincts as opposed to a doctor's often by the book instructions. While being aware of the conventional wisdom, you have to do what's right for you, your baby and your family.
Best of luck to you. Your baby is ADORABLE! Thank you for visiting my blog as well.
www.momsnewstage.blogspot.com/
Alex, i have 3 children, and have never gotten advice like that from a pediatrician! Keep on doing what you're doing, everything will work out fine! :)
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