Dear any and all pediatricians:
Hi. My name is Sarah, and I’m a newly made, first-time Mom.
Now, I’m not naive. I’m aware of the stigma attached to the “first-time mom”. I know that, as a stereotype, we overreact to each sniffle and cough and rash our child exhibits. I know that we tend to act as if a plague of locusts will soon follow this horrid ailment that has befallen our child, who would otherwise be perfect. I know this. I’m aware of the stigma.
And don’t misunderstand: I respect your diploma. I respect, and yes, admire your perserverence in your field. I acknowledge and applaud the blood, sweat, and tears you’ve put into studying, practicing, and educating yourself. I celebrate your worthiness as a doctor. And I’ll admit that I, myself, am not one.
But while I may not have a certificate to prove it, I have done some studying myself. It may not have been four years of medical school, but it was 10 months of studying a subject, 24 hours a day. I felt every kick, noticed every hiccup, and lived through every somersault. And I need you to trust that I may know my child just slightly better than you do. (more…)
