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Nowadays, many mothers prefer to select a children's
doctor (pediatrician) even before childbirth, in
order to ensure that he is around when the child
is born! Your pediatrician plays an important role
in making sure that your baby remains healthy in
the first year of his life, and will provide routine
baby care, by examining your baby every few weeks,
to make sure he is growing well and has taken his
immunization shots on schedule.
As your child grows older, it is a good idea to
continue with the same pediatrician, with whom you
can get in touch in case any worries assail you.
There are going to be numerous occasions when uncertainties
and anxieties grip you, especially if it's your
first baby, and having a doctor who is familiar
with your child can be very reassuring when he develops
a fever or a cough.
Nevertheless, remember to trust your own common
sense and instinct. As a mother, you are final expert
as far your baby is concerned and you are much more
likely to be able to sense when your child is ill
(or when he is getting better) than a doctor. The
trouble today is that many of us have become so
dependent upon the doctor that we do not heed our
own gut feelings.
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Most children dread going to the doctor with good
reason; after all, most of us still associate the
doctor with painful jabs and awful tasting medicines!
When you are on the lookout for a pediatrician,
remember that a good doctor can do a lot to put
your child at ease. A pediatrician should be unhurried
and be willing to spend plenty of time with you
and your child (and often it is the mother who needs
reassurance more than the child needs treatment!).
A good doctor will talk and play with your infant
or toddler when he is on your lap, before he even
attempts to conduct an examination. After all, your
baby is reluctant to leave the comfort of your arms,
and will regard the examining table with puzzlement
and fear. Therefore, many doctors will examine your
baby when he feels safe and secure in your lap.
They also give out lollipops and speak to kids in
baby talk to calm them down. A good doctor will
always approach kids in such a manner that he is
on the same eye level as the little patient, rather
than standing over the child.
Another strategy many doctors adopt is to let children
play an active role in the examination. Whether
it's looking into mummy's ears or listening to daddy's
heart, being proactive allows them to understand
they're at the doctor's clinic for help, not to
get hurt. Some pediatricians even keep toy doctor
kits on hand, complete with bandages and plastic
stethoscopes. Others give away stickers 'for being
such a brave little girl' at the end of a visit!
Distractions such as toys are very helpful, and
many pediatricians remark an entire corner in the
waiting room for children's rattles, minibeads and
building blocks, so that they feel more at home!
The unknown probably holds the biggest fear for
most children. A lot of kids associate going to
the doctor with a needle. A good doctor should be
able to reassure the child (only when it is completely
true , of course ! ) that there are not going to
be any 'ouches' or anything that hurts.
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You can find out what it is that makes your child
most relaxed by simply asking. For example, if he
says he needs his favorite stuffed toy to make him
feel brave, then bringing it to the doctor's office
would be an enormous help. Remember that in the
long run, your child's positive attitude toward
his health can start with happy experiences at the
doctor's.
Sometimes, your child may be sick enough to need
hospitalization. Remember that hospitalization can
be a scary experience even for adults, so that it's
likely to be even worse for children. If you think
about it from a child's perspective, a stay at a
hospital can be scary and confusing! "Is the
stretcher going to stretch me?" "Is the
IV like the plant that covers up buildings? "Some
of your child's misunderstandings might seem humorous,
but they probably indicate serious anxiety about
entering the hospital. children commonly wonder:
Will it hurt? Will mom or dad be with me? Will I
get better? Is it my fault? When can I go home?
Why don't my friends have to go to the hospital?
For many children, a hospital stay often represents
their first night in an unfamiliar setting, away
from the comfortable surroundings of home.
Before arriving at the hospital, talk with your
child about what to expect and why hospitalization
is necessary. Be confident , honest and serene.
Accurate information - given in a way that child
a can understand - is the best way to reassure and
calm your child. If you tell him that a procedure
will not hurt and then it does, you stand to lose
credibility and he may not trust you again. It is
unfortunately a fact of life that medical procedures
can be painful. However, they are often necessary
in order to help your child recover, and if your
child can be reassured so that he cooperates in
his care (rather than fights it), this can help
to improve the care he receives, that would lead
to optimum benefit as a result of for their medical
care.
Parents who remain calm help their children feel
calm. If you don't know what is happening with regard
your child's care, ask a doctor or nurse to explain
the details to you. Remember that families are members
of the health-care team, and that you, as a parent,
are the expert on your child !
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Try to understand your child's feelings - put yourself
in his shoes! Younger children might need reassurance
that hospitalization is not a form of punishment
for something they did. It's not uncommon for children
to act younger than their age (such as by wetting
the bed or sucking their thumbs) before, during
or after a hospital stay. Your child fears are often
age - specific, and toddlers don't worry on this
count; most children return to normal very soon.
Worry about being separated from parents; school-going
children are more concerned about being different
from their peers, while teenagers have a greater
need for privacy and independence.
Admission to the hospital early in the morning,
immediately before the planned procedure or surgery,
is common, but this step affords little time for
a child to adjust to the new environment. Ask the
authorities if your child can visit the hospital
a day or two before scheduled surgery to help him
understand what will happen. All children should
be told ahead of time what to expect, but very young
children may not possess a clear concept of time,
such as tomorrow or next week, so that a review
of what is going to happen, just before it occurs,
can help children overcome their fears.
Children often demonstrate their understanding of
the world through the medium of play. You may get
an opportunity to reassure your child if you observe
misconceptions about the hospital in his play. Many
progressive hospitals offer children a playroom,
so that they can relax, even when they are in hospital.
Some hospitals even allow them to tour a 'mock'
operation theatre; and wear nurses' uniforms and
doctors' masks, so that they are more comfortable
in a hospital setting. After hospitalization, play
can be a very beneficial way for young children
to make sense of their experiences. Reading aloud
children's stories about hospitals before and after
your child's stay also can be helpful.
Most hospitals encourage parents or close relatives
to stay overnight with their child. A parent or
family member can provide security in the unfamiliar
and somewhat disorienting world of the hospital.
Stay with younger children, especially, as much
as possible. If you need to leave, it is best to
be factual with your child about where you will
be, why you need to go, and when you plan to return.
Remember that you can help doctors and nurses do
their job more competently by observing and reporting
your child's symptoms accurately. It helps to prepare
in advance by writing down your questions and observations.
A child in hospital can feel comforted if you bring
along a few treasures such as favourite dolls, stuffed
animals, security blankets or family pictures. These
items provide a connection to home. School homework
may not be a 'treasure,' but if your child is able
to work on class assignments at the hospital, the
process can ease the transition back to school.
Although a hospital stay can be frightening, well-prepared
children often show remarkable courage. Remember
that children are very resilient, and can bounce
back to health rapidly!
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