Wee Care.... About Some Things

Yesterday was Madeline’s very first visit to the doctor for a 5 day check-up. We had not chosen a Pediatrician before she was born, so when it came time and they asked us at the hospital we said that the in-house pediatrician would be fine- Wee Care Pediatrics. Kate’s Parents knew a couple of the doctor’s there and recommended a Dr. Funnel (pronounced Foo-nel, not funnel like cake or those cone shaped cooking utensils). So, off we were to Dr. Funnel. I came home from work and drove Kate, seeing how she’s supposed to wait a week to drive. When we arrived, we waited for about 25 minutes in a waiting room. I know, your thinking, “Pretty typical for a doctors appointment,” right? Well, in my opinion it is ironic. They tell you not to take your newborn to public places where there are little kids that might be sick, and then when they are just 5 days old they stick you in a room full of sick little kids. Kate and I observed as 5-10 kids played on the few toys they had there. The demographic of this crowd was about 90% of what we’ll just refer to as W.T. (I’ll let you figure that acronym out). I simply thought to myself, “Imagine the diseases and illnesses that kid’s have had that have played with that very toy your child is now playing with.” Kid’s were climbing on chairs and throwing toys. A very safe and calming feeling for first time parents. To add to our distress, the clinic had needed a fresh coat of paint for a good 15 years. The walls were beginning to brown, and the waiting room chairs were those that you might find in an airport in the late 70’s, orange and decrepit.

Needless to say, we are looking for a new pediatrician. We didn’t think it would matter, as long as the doctor was nice. But, it did. Don’t get me wrong, the doctor was very nice, but even the patient rooms were drab and uncomfortable. Complete with an old early 90’s poster of the Little Mermaid and glow in the dark star stickers taped to the wall. Another question, why does it always take so long at the doctor? No matter how simple the procedure, you have to plan on a good hour. The extent of this appointment included measuring Mae, weighing her, and asking us if she was eating and pooping… One hour later we were on our way.

After the appointment, Mae had to have some blood drawn to check if she was jaundice. So, down the hall we went to the hospital laboratory. Drawing a baby’s blood has to be one of the most excruciating experiences for a parent, which is probably why they don’t have you present the first time they do it in the hospital. I held her as the nurse pricked her foot. I thought to myself, “Not so bad.” But, it didn’t end with just a drop. The nurse continued to squeeze and squeeze Madeline’s foot until she had filled an entire vile full of blood. Why is it that we can convict a man for murder with one drop of old, dried-up blood, but we cannot check a baby for jaundice without having an entire thermos full of their blood? Surprisingly, Mae did very well and only cried for about half of the process. Her levels were fine, but the doctor wants her checked again just to be safe. So, Kate will be taking her back tomorrow for more torture therapy. All in all, a great doctor’s appointment! If you have any suggestions for pediatricians, let us know! (Sorry, this post was temporarily pulled down as to not offend anyone who uses this pediatrician(s). We thoroughly respect all doctors at Wee Care Pediatrics and feel they do great work! They just need to pour some money into the place).