I received the following e-mail today:
I came to Maria last year when my daughter had difficulty nursing. Maria believed my baby had torticollis (amongst other health concerns), which explained why she wasn't nursing well. After going to at least 5 separate pediatricians, orthopedists, and neuroligists who all told me she had a personal preference, I gave up on the idea that she had torticollis. At one year, she remained "crooked" and the diagnosis at a very well known pediatric orthopedist was torticollis (left untreated for one year!!)
Well, well, well... So, I pulled her chart to refresh my memory and my notes could not have been clearer. FYI- Torticollis is a twisted or stiff neck caused by spasmotic contraction of neck muscles drawing the head to one side with chin pointing to the other side. As you can see by the description, it doesn't take an Einstein to figure this out yet, she was jerked around by many doctors.
If you know me at all, you have heard me say over and over "babies are the smartest people I have ever met and they always do things for good reason". If you look, watch, touch and listen, they will lead you to what's wrong. Also, mothers always know when something is "not right"with their child....never ignore her! So, I take special care and pay attention to everything I can...that's how it's done. The problem is, it takes time and they are too busy to do the job right!
Of course, I sent her back, a very supportive e-mail tonight. Trying to be positive, praising her courage and reassuring her. "You did the right thing by taking matters into your own hands, she is lucky to have you for a mom! Now that she is on the right track, the baby will get the treatment she needs and deserves....she will be OK"
But between you and I, this makes me sick, sad, disturbed and pissed-off that this poor mom and baby were denied an early diagnosis and treatment plan! Not to mention, the emotional and physical trauma, that could have been avoided!
How could these people call themselves professionals??? What was this child’s pediatrician doing all year, besides sticking this kid with needles and spewing percentages from that stupid growth chart?!!! ....
I tell you, a day does not go by, that I don't hear about a mother and child who are damaged by a negligent act or statement, a rude, hurtful comment, punitive advice or just plain wrong information, by their "hired professional" (doctor) Yes, they work for you!!! Remember that!
You don't have to put up with this crap! You are working hard for your insurance and paying top dollar....for what, to be treated like this? I bet, if one of their employees performed like that, they would be fired....lickity-split!
So unless you start speaking up and leaving those particular practices, they will just continue to do what they do, over and over. You deserve better.
Now I'm all worked up.....gonna take a hot bath and go to bed.
This blog is gonna kill me yet.
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"Your Baby's Brest Friend"
Ah, Oh....MARIA UNPLUGGED!
The abbreviation, “wwmd”, which is short for "What would Maria do?" was affectionately created by a mom in our weekly new mom support group. When a mom is struggling with an issue and poses it to the group (like taking a cue from a Hollywood director), someone exclaims, "wwmd" which is then followed by giggles, smiles and a few high-fives and all at my expense. (small price to pay for flattery!)
You see, often parents make the mistake of asking if,
I have an opinion on something in particular.
"I have an opinion on everything." is my standard response. Then one day a couple retorted with, "That's what we've heard!"
At first, I was shocked and a smidge embarrassed. But now I feel alot better because I've come to terms with it! Yes, admitting that I’ve got quite a well-deserved reputation!
So now, with that said, I'm putting it out there...here it is:
For those of you, who really want to know what I think
and really want to know what I would do, this blog is affectionately for you!
Hugs!
Maria
(self-proclaimed comedian & baby fanatic!)
You see, often parents make the mistake of asking if,
I have an opinion on something in particular.
"I have an opinion on everything." is my standard response. Then one day a couple retorted with, "That's what we've heard!"
At first, I was shocked and a smidge embarrassed. But now I feel alot better because I've come to terms with it! Yes, admitting that I’ve got quite a well-deserved reputation!
So now, with that said, I'm putting it out there...here it is:
For those of you, who really want to know what I think
and really want to know what I would do, this blog is affectionately for you!
Hugs!
Maria
(self-proclaimed comedian & baby fanatic!)
Maria Parlapiano RN, IBCLC
"Your Baby's Brest Friend"
About Me
- Maria Parlapiano RN IBCLC
- Chatham, NJ, United States
- I've had the pleasure of working with new moms and babies for over 20 years now. During that time, I have been referred to as: the Lactition, Mother Theresa of Breastfeeding, Baby Whisperer, Baby Guru, Boob Lady, Lactose Lady, Latch-Master and some which cannot and should not be mentioned! Anyway. you could say that I am considered the "Go-To-Girl" for any kind of issue related to babies. I am told that it's not just because I know my stuff but that I tell it like it is - uncensored and straight-up!