Military Moms - Jan-Feb '09! - Page 9

[lisa_nc]

Originally Posted by AFWife

General Question to all Military Moms:

What issues have you run into with military docs due to crunchy ways?

LOL, don't get me started. I don't have enough hours in the day.

[AFWife]

Originally Posted by lisa_nc

LOL, don't get me started. I don't have enough hours in the day.

LOL

If you ever feel like summing it up I'm all ears. I'd like to go in prepared.

[Soul-O]

Originally Posted by AFWife

General Question to all Military Moms:

What issues have you run into with military docs due to crunchy ways?

Strangely enough, I've actually had the most success with the young ones, i.e. the O-3 (CPTs, LTs etc.) residents because they seemed to respect that I had done research on pregnancy and well infant/child care and could speak intelligently on the subjects. I hate to say it, but it didn't hurt that my DH is now an officer, so we were automatically afforded a bit more respect from the uniformed staff (even when he was still technically enlisted but wearing an OCS rank). No one ever questioned me on breastfeeding or co-sleeping (and in fact most were very supportive of extended nursing), but vax is another subject altogether. It has not been my experience that any military docs were open to no vax, but I did find one that was semi-crunchy and open to a delayed schedule for us because we had an adverse reaction with DS #1. They do tend to be a bit med-happy, but not so much so with kids. I don't think we've had any antibiotics prescribed by military docs for the kids, and they've had a few ailments that could have gone that way.

In general, I would suggest asking around to see which MDs are most popular and why (i.e. good bedside manner, responsive to your concerns, non-interventive etc.), and go from there in choosing a doctor for your family.

[gagin37]

Originally Posted by AFWife

General Question to all Military Moms:

What issues have you run into with military docs due to crunchy ways?

well, let's see, at my ds's last WBV (6mns) I was told to feed him more solids, not to comfort nurse him because he's in the 97% and doesn't need the calories, and to let him watch TV to stimulate and entertain him.

[marlne]

I haven't had any real problems except with some disagreement regarding vaxes. It always turned into banter though. Oh wait, I did have issues of them "forgetting" that my son was a preemie.
I got lucky with getting to pick my doctors. If there was one I knew we wouldn't get along with, I'd go and switch. I finally found one doc who was a little more open.
I tend to be one to tell them how it is in my family and so far it hasn't gotten me into trouble.lol

Editing to add in that now (recently) that we're away from any military docs, I feel a little spoiled and may not to want to go back to military docs again.lol

[Alohamelly]

Originally Posted by Soul-O

Thanks! Is it difficult to get appointments at Madigan? I had a difficult time getting appts at Martin (Ft. Benning), and was very disappointed with their Peds dept., so I'm happy to know that I can seek care off post without a hassle.

I don't know. When we were at Bragg, it was extremely difficult to get appointments at Womack, so this time I decided to find my own pedi for the kids and I haven't even tried Madigan. I'm currently in the midwife program at Madigan and it's been fine. I haven't had any issues with getting appointments and if I have an issue, I can just walk in and see a nurse.

Originally Posted by AFWife

General Question to all Military Moms:

What issues have you run into with military docs due to crunchy ways?

I haven't run into many issues, surprisingly. No one has ever given me a hard time about not vax'ing. I've been pretty lucky I think!

[kirstenb]

Thankfully I haven't had any problems yet when I take in DS- he see a nurse practitioner and she's pretty cool. She told me don't bother buying baby food when he's ready to eat, just give him some soft chunks of veggies. She also doesn't ask about things that aren't her business (does he sleep through the night, where does he sleep. etc). I don't know about vaxing though- he was faxed through 12 months and I didn't bother taking him to his 15 and 18 month WBV. We have gone in for other times though and she never said anything so we'll see when he turns two.

[Mommyofalmost6]

Hmm I havent had to many issues with the peds at the MTF that we go to. I have come across one person in the pediatrics that I dont like so I dont let them make appts with her. Maternity care same thing. I pretty much tell them how it is in our family and if they try and challenge me on it, I dont back down.

I am 12miles from the MTF but it can take over an hour to get to it depending on time of day. Have to LOVE DC traffic lol.

[~Katie~]

So I started a new thread and forgot to subscribe to it

Military docs - We don't see them. DS has always seen doctors off post, I'm actually looking for a new one right now. That way I just avoid any issues entirely.

Speaking of docs. How is it going to work with the new baby? I've heard that we're required to bring the new baby to docs on post, but we have Tricare prime. I plan on just taking the baby to the doctor that DS sees, but I wasn't sure how that worked with Tricare. I may just end up paying out of pocket anyway if we decide to go with a naturopath.

Oh and I figured I would update about our deployment situation. We have heard that DH will get to stay for the birth and for two week after, but its still not 100% yet. I just wish somebody would make up their mind about it. He has been super busy with training and we just spent a week in Florida while he had a class there. He has been a bear with all the stress from it though, I know its to be expected but it still stinks.

[Soul-O]

Originally Posted by KatieJD

So I started a new thread and forgot to subscribe to it

Military docs - We don't see them. DS has always seen doctors off post, I'm actually looking for a new one right now. That way I just avoid any issues entirely.

Speaking of docs. How is it going to work with the new baby? I've heard that we're required to bring the new baby to docs on post, but we have Tricare prime. I plan on just taking the baby to the doctor that DS sees, but I wasn't sure how that worked with Tricare. I may just end up paying out of pocket anyway if we decide to go with a naturopath.

Oh and I figured I would update about our deployment situation. We have heard that DH will get to stay for the birth and for two week after, but its still not 100% yet. I just wish somebody would make up their mind about it. He has been super busy with training and we just spent a week in Florida while he had a class there. He has been a bear with all the stress from it though, I know its to be expected but it still stinks.

AFAIK, once you add the new baby into DEERS, he/she is automatically added onto your ins. plan, and then you can change the provider assigned to the one you use for your son.

I hope everything works out so that your DH can be present at the birth (and after!). It will be far less stressful for both of you if he can stick around for a bit, kwim? I'll be keeping positive thoughts for you.

[~Katie~]

Thanks for the info, Tabitha!

Its really not looking so good for DH being here now. He talked to the commander today. The words "key position" were used and the fact that this is our second baby and I'm having a normal pregnancy were also discussed, and the fact that he was here for our first child's birth. Apparently that makes this baby less valuable to us as a family and therefore not necessary for him to be here to witness the birth and first few weeks together. I can't say I'm surprised, but a few choice words come to mind about it. I'm just so tired of the up and down, at least tell me for sure he's not going to be here so I can feel like crap about it and then plan for it, ya know?

[Soul-O]

Originally Posted by KatieJD

Thanks for the info, Tabitha!

Its really not looking so good for DH being here now. He talked to the commander today. The words "key position" were used and the fact that this is our second baby and I'm having a normal pregnancy were also discussed, and the fact that he was here for our first child's birth. Apparently that makes this baby less valuable to us as a family and therefore not necessary for him to be here to witness the birth and first few weeks together. I can't say I'm surprised, but a few choice words come to mind about it. I'm just so tired of the up and down, at least tell me for sure he's not going to be here so I can feel like crap about it and then plan for it, ya know?

There are some very insensitive, non-family friendly people out there in the military, no matter what type of "Family First" lip service they try to pass off. Are you in touch with your FRG at all? They should definitely be ready to take care of you and your little ones after the birth. I had a similar situation (although less dire) after the birth of DS #4, and our FRG was very helpful in getting me some respite care, extra meals, etc. when my DH was away at OCS and I was alone with a sick (i.e. fresh out of the NICU) newborn and down with a severe case of mastitis myself.

It would definitely be better to know if your DH can be present so that you can be at peace with whatever comes your way. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

[~Katie~]

Originally Posted by Soul-O

There are some very insensitive, non-family friendly people out there in the military, no matter what type of "Family First" lip service they try to pass off. Are you in touch with your FRG at all? They should definitely be ready to take care of you and your little ones after the birth. I had a similar situation (although less dire) after the birth of DS #4, and our FRG was very helpful in getting me some respite care, extra meals, etc. when my DH was away at OCS and I was alone with a sick (i.e. fresh out of the NICU) newborn and down with a severe case of mastitis myself.

It would definitely be better to know if your DH can be present so that you can be at peace with whatever comes your way. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

Thank you, I really appreciate that.

I am in touch with our FRG, there are quite a few women due at the time of this deployment besides me as well. I've already been in touch with a postpartum doula and plan to have her for several weeks after the baby is born to help out. My IL's are coming at some point to help also, though I don't know how much help they'll be. Its more the emotional side of it for us now, this whole deployment pretty much blindsided us after we TTC and were successful. We were expecting him to be here until November. We're trying to be happy about this new baby and I just feel really bitter about the whole situation, this deployment has sucked the joy out of it. I'm trying to put on my "make the best of it" hat but really I just want to yell and scream at somebody.

[lisa_nc]

Originally Posted by KatieJD

Thanks for the info, Tabitha!

Its really not looking so good for DH being here now. He talked to the commander today. The words "key position" were used and the fact that this is our second baby and I'm having a normal pregnancy were also discussed, and the fact that he was here for our first child's birth. Apparently that makes this baby less valuable to us as a family and therefore not necessary for him to be here to witness the birth and first few weeks together. I can't say I'm surprised, but a few choice words come to mind about it. I'm just so tired of the up and down, at least tell me for sure he's not going to be here so I can feel like crap about it and then plan for it, ya know?

I just want to tell you that you can do it!! Plan for him not to be there, and then you can be pleasantly surprised if he is. My husband missed our daughter's birth, he never got to see our son that passed away in October outside of pictures (second trimester loss--he was TAD), and he'll miss this baby as well. He'll have R&R about three weeks after I suspect the baby will get here, so that will be nice but he won't be home home until babe is four months old (at least). It's hard, but you know, YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK! This is not an easy life, but I have faith in you, mama!

[Aka mommy]

NM i researched on here and saw i need to have a CNM to get a homebirth covered.

[brown8075]

Desperate

My husband and I have been married about 5 years. He recently just came back from Iraq. We are stationed in WA state, however I came to TN (where my parents live) when he was in Iraq, we are now back in WA. We have always had a pretty rocky marriage. Recently we have decided to get a a divorce. It may get ugly because recently he said if we stay in this marriage the way it has been going he could end up harming me???? So, I don't know whether to take that as a threat or a warning and either way I want to end it. Wondering if I should use a civilian or military lawyer? his father is an ex marine but has a good friend that is a 3 star general and I don't want them to try manipulate the situation for their favor due to the pull they may or may not have. Any suggestions??

[Mommyofalmost6]

Are there any other military moms in the washington DC area on this thread? Just wondering...

I have to go spend a few hours at the Naval hospital tomorrow. Blood work for pregnancy stuff and maybe lunch with the husband. I refused the glucose test but did say I would do a semi fasting draw then one 2 hours after I ate. I can comprimise kind of lol.

Any other Navy wives on here? Thoughts on the new uniforms?

KatieD *hugs* it will all be ok in the end... no matter what happens, it will be ok!

[gagin37]

Originally Posted by KatieJD

Thank you, I really appreciate that.

I am in touch with our FRG, there are quite a few women due at the time of this deployment besides me as well. I've already been in touch with a postpartum doula and plan to have her for several weeks after the baby is born to help out. My IL's are coming at some point to help also, though I don't know how much help they'll be. Its more the emotional side of it for us now, this whole deployment pretty much blindsided us after we TTC and were successful. We were expecting him to be here until November. We're trying to be happy about this new baby and I just feel really bitter about the whole situation, this deployment has sucked the joy out of it. I'm trying to put on my "make the best of it" hat but really I just want to yell and scream at somebody.

I'm so sorry your family is going through all this b.s. right now. While there are about a million pregnant women at Ft Bragg right now, that doesn't make your pregnancy and new babe any less special or important! : I hate the way the military strings people along, telling them one thing, then changing their minds before making a decision. : It's a nightmare trying to make any sort of plans about the future when you have to live like that. I'm sorry you're feeling bitter when you should be getting excited about your new arrival. I can understand though, I had a lot of bitterness and sadness happening in my life this time last year when I was pregnant with ds and dh had just deployed. He ended up coming home early though when he found out he wasn't supposed to have gone in the first place.

[mom2mializ]

Hi ladies! I kinda feel like I'm crashing here - I've introduced myself before (months ago), but don't spend much time on mothering, so I haven't been around. But I've got a question I was hoping one of you might be able to answer. dh has orders to head to germany, and our kids are "behind" on their vax. our loosing base has suggested that this might be an issue (haven't heard yet from gaining).

we REALLY have our hearts set on germany, and I'm sure that there are other non-vaxers over there, so i'm wondering if any of you have experience with this or know someone who does? thanks so much!!!

[~Katie~]

Originally Posted by mom2mializ

Hi ladies! I kinda feel like I'm crashing here - I've introduced myself before (months ago), but don't spend much time on mothering, so I haven't been around. But I've got a question I was hoping one of you might be able to answer. dh has orders to head to germany, and our kids are "behind" on their vax. our loosing base has suggested that this might be an issue (haven't heard yet from gaining).

we REALLY have our hearts set on germany, and I'm sure that there are other non-vaxers over there, so i'm wondering if any of you have experience with this or know someone who does? thanks so much!!!

As far as I know their non-vax status is not an issue. They won't be inspecting vaccination records, and they can't legally force you to vaccinate your children. While I don't know anyone personally stationed in Germany, I do have American friends who live there and their children are unvaccinated without issue.