Mothers and their mentors cannot help doctors expand their education and extend their training when the doctor has a closed mind and cold heart. His loss – but also the loss of those mothers and their babies who lack the support of wise mentors and the discrimination and will to vary their mothering from their doctor’s advice.

http://www.examiner.com/article/study-shows-babies-who-cry-it-out-remain-stressed

Mother:
Due to changes in insurance we just recently went to a new pediatrician for the littlest one. He not only was adamant we not use a co-sleeper or basinet or crib in our bedroom (that she needs to be in a separate room ASAP) but that we start letting her ‘self soothe’ a la Ferber starting now. At 9 weeks old. And by adamant I mean that when I explained that it wouldn’t be for us, he would not let it go. I guess our search for a new doc continues!

 

Mentor:
Sorry your search continues. Can you take him this info?

 

Mother:
If he had been a nice person i might have considered it. We were pretty far apart in personal methodology, but when there are so many ways to parent, that’s not uncommon and we might have had a good working relationship. However, he was horribly condescending, patronizing and unprofessional. So, I don’t think I am interested in taking all of that on with him. But, as our search continues it might be a nice resource to keep on my person during visits. :).

 

Mentor:
I understand. Patronizing and condescending are not acceptable behaviors in a health care professional. There is a wonderful book called “Our Babies Our Selves” written by an anthropologist which covers different parenting and sleep practices in different cultures. I found this very useful in understanding the dynamics of individual families. This has helped me greatly in supporting parents. There is also a maternal infant sleep studies lab at Duke University. I wish med schools would include such resources in their training.