Pediatrician and swimming

billybumbler · August 2013

I took A for a check-up with the pedi today. I mentioned we are thinking of taking her to a swimming class (we have actually done one class to try it out but I didn't tell her that). The only reason I mentioned it is because the swim school asks for a doctor's note saying the baby is cleared to do the class.

So when I mention this the pedi's reaction is to say, "no way, absolutely not. Babies who go to swim classes have respiratory and skin infections, and it doesn't add anything developmentally", blablabla.

What upset me is that it wasn't a discussion, she acted like it was out of the question and that's that. She even said something along the lines of "sorry for bursting your bubble".

I think it's her job as a doctor to explain and discuss the risks with me. I don't think it's her job to decide for me what I do with my baby. I think she even has the right to refuse to give me the note, but not to "forbid" me to do something.

We started to think about swim classes because when we took A to a neurologist for an unrelated thing this doctor said that we should look into swim classes, as they are great for baby's motor and cognitive development. She really liked the class we took and I felt like we bonded, it was a special thing for us to do together.

What do you think about pedi's reaction? I've had some issues with her in the past but this really upset me to the point of thinking of changing doctors. Am I overreacting? I'd love to hear some opinions.

Sorry for the TL;DR.

Maebb · August 2013

Yeah, I wouldn't have appreciated that reaction from the doctor. Even if she thinks it's a bad idea, the way she handled it would have rubbed me the wrong way.

DS goes swimming about once a week, and so far no issues. Is it because of a public pool with other children? I still think it should be your personal choice, and obviously be careful about her drinking the pool water and things like that.

Some people think that swim lessons for children this age are helpful and some don't, but if she enjoys it, that's a great benefit. DS loves to look around and splash in the water, so I think it's good for him cognitively and for his motor skills.

LuckyMissus · August 2013

What is it with doctors? They are like the worst communicators.

F loooooves swimming, our pedi said it was great developmentally, FWIW. F has sensitive skin, so I lather him up with aquaphor beforehand and we've never had any issues.

persephonerose · August 2013

There is a lot of conflicting research on if swimming poses health risks for infants. Some of it deals with the accidental inhalation of water, some of it has to do with the chlorine itself. Our doctor asked that we try to use pools with really good ventilation, or outdoor pools and if we could use pools that are salt water over chlorine treated pools.

I think your doctor did a crappy job of conveying their concerns and they could have informed you of the risks without treating you that way. I would do my own research and try to talk to the doctor again about swimming lessons. If they refuse to have a true conversation about it I would probably change doctors.

atrinh11 · August 2013

That is crazy. I would have been more than pissed. FWIW, my LO has been in swimming lessons since he turned 7 months. He was a little afraid of the water back then. Now he LOVES it. We like the class he is in as it is almost always the same 5 babies. Most are within a month of LO's age, one is a little older. They are survival swim lessons too, which is a main reason we signed up for them. I told my pedi we were in swim lessons and she said it was great and just asked how he was liking it. That was the end of that conversation.

I have also heard of doctors actually prescribing swim lessons for babies about this age. The fact that your doctor is that against it is quite odd in my opinion.

Hummingbirdbaby3 · August 2013

That reaction sucked. You're right, they are to give us their opinion and nothing more. It's too bad your pedi had such a harsh reaction!

SurpriseAt39 · August 2013

I don't have N in lessons, but we go swimming once every couple weeks. He loooooves the water. If I can't get to the pool then I fill the tub and let him play swim.

I could see excessive exposure to chlorinated water possibly causing issues, but I don't think a weekly (or even a daily) half hour swim, (for a week or two) would really be a problem.

I'd go o a different doc if you really need the note, and if you're really bothered by other comments that have been made, then I'd find a new pedi if you're able.

GL.

Jenner37 · August 2013

I would change pedi's, not because she told you not to take the lessons but because the way it sounds like she came across was not very friendly or informative. That said, our pedi is happy that we did swimming lessons.

techg0ddess · August 2013

My doctor has been telling me since 6 months that water safety is important and that I need to get little one in swim lessons if we plan on going swimming or know anyone that has a pool. Arizona has a lot of drowning deaths during the summer months from kids that don't know how and slip away and get in pools.

maybe she's biased since she sees the issues versus the benefits but needs to get herself in check. I think she did a very bad job of explaining herself and should not flat out say no but tell you to check out the places first. A sick baby is better than a drowned baby

jg1011 · August 2013

That's ridiculous! And the way the pedi spoke to you would be unacceptable to me!

FWIW....V has been in swim class since 8 months old. He loves it! Doctor said no problem after 6 months. We are in an indoor salt water pool. I am sure to wash him down well after each swim.

I feel these lessons are essential for safety reasons.

Bigger issue....if the pedi can't communicate well, you may want to rethink it.

billybumbler · August 2013

Thanks everyone for your responses. We are looking for a new pedi as we decided we want someone who will talk things through and explain stuff so we can make the best decision as parents. As for the swimming itself I haven't decided yet but I'm inclined to do the classes and stop if she starts getting sick all the time.

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