AskDrSears Logo
homeabout searsbooksnewsletterfaqsresourcesnewsstorecontact us
what's newregular featurespediatric newsDoctor's Diaries


Search


pregnancy & childbirth
breastfeeding
bottlefeeding
feeding infants & toddlers
family nutrition
discipline & behavior
fussy babies
sleep problems
childhood illnesses
medicine cabinet
a to z index
GoFish Omega 3 DHA Attachment Parenting Vaccines Lean

 


Main Section

  • Sign-up for E-Newsletter
  • Special Offers
  • Send to a Friend
close
   
Get important information and valuable advice from the Dr. Sears Family
Email:
First Name:
Would you also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
Yes No


Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.
close
$1.00 off any Aquaphor Product

Ideal for all babies’ skin care needs, Aquaphor Healing Ointment is so gentle and effective that it’s been trusted by pediatricians for years.

Soothes, protects and helps heal dry, irritated skin Effective relief for the dry skin associated with atopic dermatitis Clinically proven to help reduce diaper rash within 6 hours, without the zinc-oxide mess Helps heal raw, chapped cheeks and chin caused by drooling Fragrance-free, preservative-free and dye-free formula

Click here to print your coupon.

close
Your Information:
Email:
First Name:
Please send me your newsletter
I would also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
    Send to:
Email:
First Name:
Message to friend:



Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.
December 2004

Two Simple Questions

During my training my mind was so filled with complicated medical problems and treatments that I didn’t learn many of the simple things about taking care of babies. So when I started having kids I thought, “Cool. Now I’ll learn all the really important stuff that I need to know on a day-to-day basis as a pediatrician.” I learned how to change diapers, burp the baby after feeds, maneuver those wiggly little arms and legs into outfits, and even how to snap all the right snaps together when dressing the baby. I tried to do as many of the little things as I could to help out my wife. But the reality is, my wife still did most of those everyday little baby chores.

A mom with a new baby asked me a very simple question that I’m sure had a very simple answer . . . but it was one of those things I had never done for my own kids. She asked me, “How did you manage to clean your baby’s ears?”

“I handed the baby to my wife” was my answer.

“How did you cut your baby’s fingernails?” she then asked.

Long pause . . .

“I handed the baby to my wife”.

It was then that I realized that there were a few things I never actually did with the kids that I probably should have. But the more I thought about it, I concluded it wasn’t my fault. I doubt my wife would have even let me near the baby’s fingers with a sharp instrument. And as for those ears, I don’t even remember my baby’s ears being dirty. I suppose my wife must have taken care of that too.

I’m sure there are plenty of little everyday baby things that my wife did that I never got to learn. But what am I supposed to do? Have another baby just so I can learn how to cut nails? I don’t think so. Maybe I’ll just ask a few patients if I can cut their baby’s nails, just for the experience. Any takers? Let me know at your next appointment.

Dr. Bob

Did you miss one of our previous diary entries?
Click here to go to our diary index.

   
Home | About Sears | Books | Newsletter | FAQs | Resources | News | Store | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy    

AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.

© Copyright 2006 AskDrSears.com. All Rights Reserved.