This was only Ruby's second visit with her new pediatrician at Getzwell Pediatrics. Although we had had a very thorough and long visit at her 9 month appointment, and I had been in contact with the doctor via email since then, I hadn't quite realized just how hippy, alternative, and somewhat unorthodox this practice really was.
One of the main complaints that other parents have about their own pediatricians is how they tend to be overly laid-back at times and often brush off their concerns. (Of course there is some merit to this in that parents, particularly first-timers, are in general excessively concerned about everything related to their baby.) At Getzwell, it is quite the contrary. It feels like they are even more concerned than I am about many issues, such as vaccine schedules, motor skills, and using completely natural/organic products.
Most other pediatricians, even in San Francisco, do not even consider vaccinating on the alternative Sears Vaccination Schedule. Oftentimes parents who inquire about it are scoffed at and turned away. However, our pediatrician not only allowed it, but strongly recommended it! At Getzwell, they discourage admnistering more than one live virus or aluminum-containing vaccine at one time. Although extensive research has shown no harm in either of these types of vaccines, they feel it is safer to give the body more time to process a vaccine before another one is given. Our pediatrician even made the point that there is not enough evidence to refute the possibility that aluminum salts are linked to developmental delays. This seems to me like a very unorthodox philosophy that's not supported by most doctors I know. However, I certainly don't see any HARM from spacing out Ruby's vaccinations (less shots at one time for the baby!), so we've decided to adhere to the alternative vaccine schedule. We've become hippies!!
Our pediatrician is also VERY into prescribing natural/homeopathic remedies for various ailments. Ruby has some baby eczema on her arms and legs which I have been treating with Aquafor and Cerave creams as well as by eliminating all possible irritants (soaps, detergents, etc.). Our pediatrician recommended that we put her on probiotics and fish oil, as these have been shown to regulate the immune response. She also sent us to this little apothecary-like herb store in the Mission to purchase a natural, almond oil-based cream, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties. So far these remedies have not made a very noticeable difference, but I appreciate being aware of these more unconventional options.
Another recommendation that surprised me a bit was regarding Ruby's (lack of) mobility. Although Ruby has made some significant progress in this area, she has still never crawled and cannot transition from lying to sitting to standing. Although unusual for someone her age, it's certainly not unheard of, and I feel like most pediatricians would tell us it's nothing to worry about. However, when we mentioned this to our pediatrician, she actually referred us to a physical therapist who specializes in increasing "body confidence." I haven't yet decided whether or not I will contact this physical therapist. On the one hand, I realize that Ruby is extremely cautious in her personality and that this contributes to her decreased mobility. I think that it could definitely be beneficial for her to be more confident and less cautious physically, not just as a baby, but also as a kid and later an adult. On the other hand, I'm not sure I want to be the kind of overly-anxious parent that sends their one year old to therapy.
Furthermore, I don't think Ruby's delayed motor development is necessarily due to being under-confident as much as it is due to being overly-thoughtful. It seems to me that Ruby THINKS about things way more than is normal for someone of her age. For instance, she has always been way more physically adventurous (rolling, flopping around) while on our bed than on her playmat. From a very early age, she seemed to consider how much a particular surface would hurt if she were to fall on it. Also, sometimes Ruby will purposely drop a toy from her changer or her crib, but before she does, she always squints or shuts her eyes in anticipation of the noise it will make when it hits the ground. This seems to me like an unusual amount of forethought for a baby, especially when most babies are notorious for their lack of inhibition and disregard for consequences. No wonder Ruby is cautious when she has such a heightened awareness of the potential dangers of the world!
Even though some of our pediatrician's methods and philosophies may be hippy-dippy and unorthodox, I find that I have never had more faith in a medical professional. The amount of thought, research, and time put into each patient is plain to see and exceeds that of any other doctor I have known. When I have a baby-related question or concern, even if I have heard the advice of several other parents and their pediatricians, I always find myself thinking that I better ask Ruby's pediatrician to be sure I am getting the most up-to-date information and the most complete range of options. Sadly this quality of care has the caveat of not accepting insurance and is therefore not accessible to everyone. However, I feel like it is still taking medicine one step in the right direction.
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