That Boy Is Fine

Back when my kids were babies and small children, I took them to a pediatrician who is now Owen's pediatrician. He and I differed on opinion when it came to certain things but over the years, I came to fall a bit in love with him.
Thankfully, he never had to save one of my children's lives or anything as dramatic as that. They mostly suffered from the usual childhood illnesses and never too seriously. But what I came to love about him was how he treated me and the children with respect.
He knew I was a nurse and he respected my opinion on what was wrong with the children. He always listened carefully and attentively and asked me questions that he knew as a mother and a nurse I could answer. He certainly disagreed on my decision to birth at home but he respectfully disagreed and when I would bring in my newborn the day after birth, he would smile and congratulate me. And he respected the children and it showed in the way he touched them during exams and listened to them as they got older.
And now he's Owen's doctor.
When we saw him on Tuesday he very strongly said that he did NOT want Lily to quit breastfeeding but that he thought that Owen truly needed to be taking in more calories. His first suggestion was that we contact a lactation consultant whom we already know. He said, "She knows all the stuff I don't." And yes, a pediatrician should probably know all that stuff, but dammit, he admits he doesn't and he wants you to see someone who does.
I respect that.
When we took Owen back today, he had gained a whopping nine ounces which is great for three days. The doctor was pleased and asked Lily all about what she was doing and if her milk production seems to have increased which he said it does sometimes just because the pressure is off. He asked if we'd seen the lactation consultant.
And we were all very, very happy.
Lily has done everything she knows to do. She's researched the subject thoroughly. She takes the supplements, she co-sleeps, she gets rest and plenty of water. She eats well. She is doing everything any one could do and she is going to the breast feeding support group next Wednesday. I think she is predictably upset that her milk doesn't seem to be enough for Owen but he also has a bit of a tongue-tie problem which makes nursing harder than drinking from a bottle and that may be the problem right there. They're going to get that fixed.
And so I feel better about things. I keep telling Lily that she's doing everything just right. And that the important thing is that Owen is getting breast milk, it's still the main part of his diet, he still loves the nurnies, and now he's growing.
There's so much to worry about when you're a young mother. I so well remember.
When we were leaving today, the doctor, who is now a grandfather himself said to me, "Now you stay out of trouble." I looked at him as if...what? What trouble could I get into?
And I realized he was saying, "Don't worry so much."
"Just enjoy that baby," he said. "You've paid your dues with yours. Just enjoy."
Once again, I felt respected. He knew how I was feeling and he wanted me to know that it's now time for me to just enjoy the fruits of my labors. Or my daughter's labor, as it were.
I appreciated that. I needed to hear it. Because Owen is everything to all of us who love him. But Lily is his mother and she is doing a great, great job.
In fact, at one point, the doctor looked at Lily and said, "You're doing great, Lady."
And it seemed like it was yesterday that I was the mama and Lily the little naked baby on the exam table and those same hands had palpated her tummy that were palpating Owen's and he was telling me I was doing a great job. I could have died for pride of Lily.

Yep. I still like that doctor.

And now it's time to get ready for tonight's performance and although I am nervous, I know I don't have to worry about my Owen. He is gaining weight and he is with his mama and his daddy who are giving him the best and most loving care that he could ever receive.

And he has a good pediatrician. Whose voice Owen seemed to be fascinated by. And who has comforted my fears for a good long time now- decades- and is doing a good job comforting Lily's.

I feel very lucky. Very lucky, indeed.