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January 2011 Moms
PSA: your doctor is a PERSON
I don't post that much, mostly just lurk and comment. But I have had something brewing in me for a while now and I want to say it. If it bugs you - tell me - I'm sure you will. 
Your doctor is a PERSON, NOT A GOD
So many of us (myself included) have posted things our doctors have told us or said to us that have left us feeling confused, ashamed, bewildered, self-hating, conflicted or any other spectrum of unpleasant emotions casting doubt or unhappiness upon our pregnancy, our bodies and ourselves.
I want to remind everyone, as I did a PP whose OB called her fat that having a medical degree does NOT make someone an omnipotent authority on anything.
They get their info from books and are biased just like the rest of us. Just because their books have fancy medical jargon in them does not make them Scripture.
What your Doc "knows" is based on flawed medical research (flawed because imperfect humans conduct it) And what research they base their "knowledge" on is influenced by their own backgrounds and biases - their faith, their politics, what school they went to, what generation they came of age in, where they live and on and on...
The fact is - there are as many ways to have a baby and be pregnant as their are women in the world. Their is no BEST way - only the best way for you.
Am I saying ignore you OB and have your baby on your kitchen floor? No, but when in doubt, when confused, scared, or emotional trust YOUR instincts first. And be compassionate with yourself.
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Re: PSA: your doctor is a PERSON
I couldn't agree more!!
I got bashed early on in this pregnancy on the 1st trimester board b/c I said I didn't completely trust any Dr and people said that I either had a bad Dr or issues. Well my Dr's are great but they don't everything and they don't know me and what I'm feeling. I'm a true believer in trusting your instincts and doing what you have to to get answers.
If I didn't trust my instincts and ask to be checked I would of never known how short my cervix was and my risk for pre term labor. When I first brought it up I was pushed of b/c this is my 1st pregnancy and there is no reason to suspect anything...but I kept pushing and I'm glad I did.
Yes Dr's are good resources but they don't know it all and just b/c you like and trust your Dr doesn't mean their answer is always right
It's nice to know I'm not the only one who see things this way.
I work in the medical field, and I completely, whole heartedly agree with this. Just like anybody else, doctors can be lazy, ignorant, arrogant, distracted, or even have substance abuse problems.
Trust YOURSELF, and if you don't agree with something a doctor tells you, get a second opinion.
Thanks for posting this in the first place. It needed to be said.
I have seen my pedi at the pool wearing a leopard skin speedo. I think I have an idea that he is not perfect
As for my OB I grew up with his daughter. I can say I know he is not all knowing. But in the end I will trust his opinion over my own on things medical. Yes there are things that I might question but that's why I question them in the appointment. I think everyone should grill their doctor if they have issues with what they are saying.
The problem is that we are trained in our society not question doctors or people we view as authority figures.
so true!
Very very well said. No flames or disagreements from me because I 1000% agree with you.
My cousin and I are about 99.8% sure she has endometriosis but her doctors keep blowing her off. I keep telling her to ask for different tests like I had to and do not let their word be final or else she will suffer for years like I did.