Yesterday I got a call from my sister in law. She has a little boy who is five months old, she was very distraught because he was running a fever. She was unsure as what to do and needed some advice. We discussed the symptoms, and came to the conclusion it would be best to call the pediatrician. She was apprehensive to call, she had called a few weeks back about something, only to be told she was a hyper-sensitive/ over-reactive mother. I am so put off by this.

When a doctors office takes on a new child as a patient, I believe that they are also taking on the parent and all the worries and concerns the parent has. Am I wrong to believe that even the silliest or absurd worry of a new parent should be handled with care by the doctor? I mean, a five month old child can not tell a doctor what is wrong, so when the parent notices that they are acting ill, uncomfortable, sick, whatever, shouldn’t the pediatritions office take the parents concern and worry into consideration?

My sister in law, weeks later now, is calling her mom and me, to ask for advice because her baby is running a fever. She feels ashamed for calling the doctor in the past and does not want to feel ridiculed again. Shame on the pediatrition for making this wonderful new mother feel overwhelmed and worried; even guilty for trying to ask a medical professional for help.

Maybe this shouldn’t bother me so much, but it does. It is not easy being a first time parent. The books give you ideas, but they are not sound medical advice. I personally, do not think just because these doctors have been working with children for 30 some years, that it gives them the right to make a new parent feel so conflicted in regards to calling for advice. Shame on them!