I spent years getting my degree....4 years that is. Does that make me an expert in Psychology? Nope...I think it may give me an edge on reading people, on understanding people in a different way, but it doesn't make me an expert.
So why do we give so much credit to what doctors say? Aren't we all moms? Don't we all know our children better than anyone else? Don't we all get a gut feeling when something isn't "just right" with our children? I recently read this Post about a mom who went to a doctors appt and all of a sudden her son is not speaking as clearly or as well as the doctor would like? WHY? Because she didn't understand him after being in a room with him for 5 minutes? And now his poor mom is having a million thoughts run through her head and countless hours of worry???
Why do we allow ourselves to put so much faith in our doctors when it comes to things like this?
I know that I have been freaking out...err I mean concerned, about Christopher walking. He walked just shy of 18 months, and that seemed really long for me. And he's still lazy, he won't walk outside, he won't walk on the grass, heck, he won't even touch the grass. But, he's walking and that is a good thing, so I am not complaining....much! He still doesn't say anything more than 4 words....Mommy, Daddy, Ut Oh and Nanny. But he understands EVERYTHING...but likes to play dumb....like when he's in a drawer he's not supposed to be in and I say "Christopher? Close it" he looks at me like he doesn't know what I am saying. Makes him smarter than I realize!
But I also know that Christopher has his 18 month check up on Tuesday, and they are going to want to give him his MMR, and THAT is NOT going to happen. I have been putting off his MMRs since he was supposed to get his 1st shot at a year old. They tried again at 15 months....Mommy said NOPE! I'm not an expert, but I am educated, and I do have my gut feelings! Christopher has not yet gone over 6 months without being on Steriods for his breathing and airway issues since he was born and placed in the NICU. And MMRs and steriods DO. NOT. MIX. So I am going to have to say NO again. I don't think he is in any danger of getting Measels, Mumps or Rubella. So I am in no hurry, and if he has to wait until he is 4 or 10 to get them...I'm adamant about waiting! So we'll try again in September when he turns 2!
So my point, I'm not an expert, and I don't and wouldn't claim to be one after only spending 5 minutes in a room with a child. But I do know my kids....and I am learning that each and every child develops differently and at their own pace. So I am sure I will have a post near Christopher's 2 year bday about how nervous I am because he isn't talking more. But for now, I am just happy that he is walking....and at least he says...."Mommy"! For now....all is well!
My Little Miracles
8 comments:
Mommy instincts are some of the most powerful things in the world. I think we HAVE to listen to them.
I just linked to you in a meme on my blog...xx
Thanks Erin. I appreciate this so much. I know that I know him so much better than anyone. I also know that I knew his speech was slightly delayed but I chalked it up to him being a boy and every kid developing at their own pace.
I know I did the speech evaluation and she said he was a little behind, but it's still nothing I think to be concerned about. We'll see :)
Mommy knows best and you have to go with your gut. Good for you for sticking to your guns.
A few months ago I got very sick with something no doctor could figure out. I went to minor emergency, I went to the real ER, I went to my main doctor, she sent me to a bunch of specialists..no one could figure it out. Eventually it went away on its own. But experiences like that really do show you how doctors are just professionals in their fields trying to do the best job they can, just like any of us in our fields! Good luck at your appt.
Erin, I'm a nurse practitioner student. Are you familiar with NPs? Hopefully, if you are you've had good experiences. (Oh, I also have a degree in child psychology.)
Some background:In my health promotion class we recently studied normal development in children. T Rex has asthma and has been on steroids several times and is maintained on inhaled steroids.
First, never underestimate your "mommy instinct". Moms are with their children far more than any health care providers are.
We have a fabulous pediatrician but she kept insisting there was nothing wrong with our son's eyes. My husband insisted and she finally agreed to refer us to a specialist who said his eye sight is horrible. She commended us on our persistence - mostly my husband's. Again, parental instinct.
One thing I learned in my class this semester, the norms for children are all over the board. Your little one sounds like he is on track. What counts is that he is continuing on a path. It doesn't matter how he gets there. Remember Einstein? He did not speak until age five and I think he was 2 or 3 before he walked.
Do you think you'll consider the immunizations down the road? Food for thought, our little one did not have any issues even with all his steroid use. Only some delayed growth rate - he's a little short but he is catching up.
You're a great mom and you should be proud of the active decision making you do for your boys. I wish more parents were like you.
I agree we put too much faith and stock in doctor's sometimes, often what are just their 'opinions'. which is why so many seek a 2nd, 3rd or even 4th opinion and they most often don't match up with the others!
Stick with the mommy instinct and do what you feel is best for YOUR child!
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