Any way you cut it, life as a parent is busy. Or, at least it feels that way. Some days I’m filled with a feeling that most parents have had to varying degrees at different times. There are not enough hours in the day. Weeks and months fly by. To-do lists grow longer. I’m one skipped nap away from chaos. I feel busy.
But a recent New York Times article reminded me that most of us who feel busy actually choose to be so. Continue reading
During medical school, future physicians learn of the four pillars of medicine, the ethical foundation upon which we should strive to build our work in the field. The first three, beneficence (provide good care), nonmaleficence (do no harm), and respect for autonomy (of both patient and physician) are oft-cited in the medical literature and emphasized in our current healthcare system. The fourth pillar, justice, is sometimes forgotten. Webster‘s defines justice as “the quality of being just, impartial, or fair”. In simple terms, then, all physicians have been given the ethical obligation to treat all patients in a fair and impartial way. On a societal level, the fourth pillar of medicine provides the foundation for us to say that all persons have the right to quality health care. We are not living up to to this obligation. Very real disparities still exist in our health care system. Continue reading
Summer is here! A time of vacations, parks, and picnics. But, with all of this fun, it is also a time to think about staying safe. Here’s a collection of great advice from some of my favorite child health websites. Continue reading
I love when fathers come to their newborn’s first visit to the doctor. When I say, “Congratulations on your new baby!” their faces break into a wide smile. Fresh, excited, supportive, and proud. But, new fathers sometimes express that they are unsure of their role. The maternal role is well-defined in early months- especially for breastfeeding mothers. A father’s role is often less clear and takes navigation. But, as I tell these new dads, the research tells us that it is no less important. Simply by their supportive presence, fathers make a difference. Continue reading
Last weekend I flew with my son to see family. While I wish it weren’t the case, we currently live quite far from both sides of our extended family. Long trips with a young child aren’t my ideal, but they are my current reality. As our society becomes more mobile, I’m willing to bet that many of your families are in the same situation. Because I was flying alone with my two-year-old, but determined to make it a pleasant experience for everyone, I did a little reading and planning ahead of this trip. I’ll share a few of my own tips that worked well, as well as some wonderful resources I found. Continue reading
Photo by Chrisbwah
Eruption of the primary teeth usually begins between 4-7 months of age, although some babies won’t have their first teeth until 12 months or later. New teeth will continue to appear until about 3 years of age, when most children have the full complement of 20 primary teeth. Many parents await that first toothy grin with much anticipation, but teething can also be a source of some concern and questions. There are a lot of myths out there, both in terms of teething symptoms and remedies. Here’s the low down. Continue reading
Last week I was lucky enough to attend a lecture by Dr. Carol Berkowitz, former President of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is a smart, spunky pediatrician who specializes in child abuse and had much wisdom to share regarding shaken baby syndrome (now also known as abusive head trauma). Today I’d like to share a few points I took away from her talk on this important topic. Continue reading
Do you ever think about all of the stuff our kids come into contact with and wonder whether things are safe? Today I’m back over at Two Peds in a Pod with some practical advice on this topic. Check it out!
Limiting BPA and other potential toxins in your child’s environment.
“In today’s world we are surrounded by “stuff”. We touch it, we eat from it, we drive in it, and we wear it. Before becoming a parent, I have to admit I didn’t think all that much about whether this “stuff” was safe. I had passing thoughts about toxic chemicals in “stuff”. The environmental toxin I worried most about as a pediatrician was my little patients’ exposure to lead.
Suddenly, as a new mom, I started to think about toxins a lot.” Keep reading. . .
This post is dedicated to Nonna and Nina and all of the wise women who have gracefully helped guide those of us just starting out in this amazing journey of motherhood. Continue reading
This is the first post in what I hope will be a monthly series, “Child Health Advocates in Action”. This series will highlight work by people who are using their voice and giving their time to improve child health. Continue reading
My Two Hats 