dreading the pediatrician

[amygoforth]

Drew's 2-month checkup is Monday, and I'm dreading it. I really like my pediatrician. He's great with Evan and was relatively supportive of my homebirth with Drew. Here's the problem: he likes to retract the foreskin. He's very old-school about intact penis treatment. He seems to think I should be pulling the foreskin back a little each day to "help" the membrane seperate!



The only reason I haven't found another pediatrician is that I honestly like everything else about him and his practice, and I think if I'm open with him and say very specifically that I DO NOT WANT HIM TO TOUCH DREW'S PENIS, he will respect my wishes.

But... what if he doesn't? When he retracted the before it was so fast I didn't have time to respond and I left the office shaking. It was pretty gentle, and it didn't seem to affect Drew too much, but still... I'm going to confront him before he even starts the checkup (and I hate confrontations), and be ready to slap his hands if he gets grabby.

This sucks.

[amygoforth]

Okay, so I just re-read my post. I'm such an idiot! If any other mom had posted that I'd tell her to put her son first and find another pediatrician!!! My gut is telling me that is what I should do, but my brain is telling me to talk openly with Dr. G and him chance.

[Jeanne_L]

hope it goes well. keep us posted! (those guts are good things to follow!)

[birthjunkie27]

I'm one who hates confrontation too, but in this situation, you really should talk with your ped. BEFORE you take Drew's clothes off. If he's ok with your decision then great! If he gives you a less than desirable response....GO WITH YOUR GUT. Do not go through with the appointment. Or, do the appointment, watching CLOSELY and then try to find a new ped. when you get home.

Good luck!

[mariposita]

Originally Posted by birthjunkie27

I'm one who hates confrontation too, but in this situation, you really should talk with your ped. BEFORE you take Drew's clothes off. If he's ok with your decision then great! If he gives you a less than desirable response....GO WITH YOUR GUT. Do not go through with the appointment. Or, do the appointment, watching CLOSELY and then try to find a new ped. when you get home.

Good luck!

ITA that's exactly what i would do. you might want to post on the circ. forum asking of they have any resources on proper care that you could take with you.

[darkpear]

Originally Posted by mariposita

ITA that's exactly what i would do. you might want to post on the circ. forum asking of they have any resources on proper care that you could take with you.

: Don't they have an agreement in one of the stickies that you can print out and have the doctor sign? I would do that, and find other care if he refuses to sign it.

[IncaMama]

yup i agree...if you like all other aspects, just tell him up front (BEFORE your son is undressed) that you do NOT consent to foreskin retraction. if your gut still tells you to get out, get out!

[mkoontz]

We have a similar thing with our doctor in that they always want to do rectal temperatures. I come from NZ where I was a midwife and it was NEVER done there. We don't to it on adults, so why do it on kids. I end up saying every visit to take it under the arm and they do, with a few strange looks, but I don't care. I know if it was me I'd want my temp taken under the arm - especially if it's just a routine visit and Aveena isn't even sick!

[DesireeH]

rectal temps? no thanks!!

Amy- That sucks, I would print this out and bring it with you to your appt: http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_d...DD&sub_cat=108

Make him read it before ds has his clothes off. If he refuses to read it (he shouldnt, its from the AAP) then I would leave.

Do they take off their diaper at every appt? We dont do well baby checks so I have no idea....I took Jevin to one when he was newborn and they took his dipe off then but the other 2 times he went to the doctor (for something specific though) they didnt do it.