How it works without a Pediatrician

When Dylan and Amelia were born, the pediatrician came to the hospital to do their very first checks.  We then took them to the pediatrician for all of the well and sick visits.  The pediatrician covered everything from weight and immunizations to developmental checks and any questions we had.  As I keep saying, it is different here in the U.K.

When Cora was born, the midwife did her initial newborn checkups.  A midwife visited our house the day after she was born and on day three to continue checking her weight and overall health.  I brought Cora to the midwives at the birthing center on days five and ten.  Each time, we saw a different midwife.  We were then appointed a "health visitor".  The health visitor came to our house for her next two checks.  I am just so used to going to the doctor's office.  It felt strange to have someone doing this in our house.  She did Cora's hearing test in her bedroom while she was sleeping in her crib.  She brought a portable scale to weigh Cora.  It was very convenient for me, and free of course. 

They give you a small "red book" that is to be taken each time you see a health visitor or doctor.  It is a nice way to keep everything documented.  After the two initials visits, the health visitors ask that you visit them in one of their drop-in sessions during the week.  They have at least one session a day at various locations around town.  They all take place during free sessions for mums and babies/toddlers.  Some sessions have crafts, and others are music or sign language.  It is nice because you can go with your other children and play until your name is called by the health visitor.  They sort of set up on the side of the play group and it is a first come, first serve basis.  They have portable scales to weigh the babies, and they help answer any questions you may have at the time.

At six weeks, we both saw our General Practitioner at a regular doctor's office.  Cora will not see him again until she is one.  We receive letters in the mail telling us when to go to the doctor's for immunizations.  We do not see our doctor when getting shots.  The nurses do the shots, and there is a different doctor present for questions or concerns.  There are just SO many different people that check and help your baby.  I miss having ONE pediatrician who deals with all of it and gets to know you and your children.  You can get an appointment with your doctor if a medical need arises.  Poor sweet Cora has been fighting a TERRIBLE "nappy rash" (diaper rash).  Dylan had this same issue for about six months.  We've had three antibiotic creams and attempted an oral medication (which is almost impossible with a 7 week old baby).  It can get it better at times, but it keeps flaring up again.  We are doing everything we can...changing diapers often...tried cloth diapers...tried every kind of barrier cream you can think of...drying her bottom with a hair dryer...antifungal cream...baths...leaving her diaper open or no diaper at all for some fresh air...it all helps, but we can't seem to get rid of it.  So Cora has seen three different doctors about her rash.  Again, I miss having one "go to" person.  But it is all free.  There are no copays - not even on prescriptions for children.

As with everything, I am learning as I go here.  Here are some pictures from the last week of April when Miss Cora turned 2 months old!