Pediatrician?

[brewso.livejournal.com]

I apologize if this has been discussed before, but I am apparently not very adept at searching the archives.

I am 20 weeks pregnant, and my doctor recommended today that I start thinking about a pediatrician. It seems early to me, but I guess it's never too early to research. So, does anyone have a local doctor that they love? I am pretty crunchy as mamas go, and really want someone who will respect the following: delayed vaccing, exclusive breastfeeding, co-sleeping (in a bassinet or co-sleeper, not directly in the bed). I'm not big into medicine, either, (although I do respect its necessity with big illnesses) so someone who at least entertains alternative remedies and doesn't just immediately grab the prescription pen would be great.

Thanks! 

Comments

[ron_newman]

I added two appropriate tags. This is the only old post I could find on the subject, and it's two years old. An update would be appreciated.

[nomacmac.livejournal.com]

Join the Somervillemoms Yahoo group and search the archives. You will find plenty of recommendations for pediatricians, and many other parenting resources.

[mamajoan.livejournal.com]

I second the recommendation for the SomervilleMoms group. Although there are plenty of parents on the Davis Square LJ community, you'll get a lot more comprehensive info from a group that's dedicated to parenting discussion.

I also can't resist putting in a plug for Dr. Deborah Bershel of Davis Square Family Practice. She's actually a family doctor, not a pediatrician per se, but she is great with my kids. I switched to her when I finally got tired of our old doctor blaming everything under the sun on extended breastfeeding. I'm on my second child nursing past the age of 2 and I have to say it's great to go to an appointment and not have to feel like I'm immediately on the defensive. Dr. Bershel also fits your other qualifications as well. Feel free to email me offline for more info if you want.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

We go to Dr. James of Children's Garden Pediatrics (it's just her, though, not a big practice). She's down to earth, fun, and listens well. I didn't delay vaccines of co sleep, but i did extended breastfeed and am also leary of medicine, and she was great. She's located near Fresh Pond in the Sancta Maria Facility... her number is 617 441 9276

[lissie930.livejournal.com]

I didn't delay vacs, so I can't speak to her thoughts on that, but Dr. Teresa Corcoran is very very supportive and a wonderful doctor. Also, honestly, your pediatrician really isn't your best resource for breast feeding stuff.

[balsamicdragon.livejournal.com]

Everyone else has mentioned Somerville Moms, but I will add my voice to the rest! I take my son to Dr. Bruce Kalow on at Broadway Pediatric and he is excellent. We co-sleep and I breastfed him until he was two, and Dr. Kalow was very accepting of this.

Note to lissie930: it isn't so much that you want a pediatrician who can advise you re breastfeeding, you really just want one who won't judge you for it :)

[mamabunny72.livejournal.com]

I didn't delay vax (except one this year) ; I still co-sleep w/ my almost 5 yo who self-weaned at age 4, and kiddo's pediatrician is Dr Puncochar at Harvard Vanguard. We like her, and we like Dr Shoyer whom we've seen occasionally for same-day/urgent care issues. Nurses Linda and Holly are great too. The wait times can be a bit long, but I like the practice and the convenient location (literally steps from our house!) and that the pharmacy is also in the building.

[anyee.livejournal.com]

This is a very snarky, slighly mean, and unhelpful post that I am now going to make. Ignore it if you'd like. Pretend I'm talking about kittens.

Please also let us know when you have your child, delay its vaccines, and then put it in playgroups. Therefore, I can warn my friends with children that there is a potential disease vector out there who is taking advantage of herd immunity while increasing the risk of the unvaccinated (newborns) or those with compromised immune systems (SCID, the elderly, HIV+) because of unfounded, anti-scientific fears about autism. I am excited to tell my friends that they too can avoid the type of people who are helping measles and whooping cough make terrific comebacks.

Delaying vaccines or avoiding them altogether: proof that no matter how many studies of thousands of people are done, people will still take the word of celebrities, internet hacks, and people in their social groups. Remember that Jenny McCarthy knows a lot more than every scientist who has studied this and concluded that there's no link.

[icecreamempress.livejournal.com]

On the "delayed vax" thing--if no doctors support this, there may be a reason, and that reason may not be that they're big meanie-heads.

[masswich.livejournal.com]

Its a fairly mainstream solution but we've been fairly happy with Harvard Vanguard's Cambridge office, specifically Dr. Kruger. He's good with kids and he's pretty mellow about most things. I don't know how he'd feel about vaccinations being delayed but he was certainly sympathetic to our concerns and allowed us to avoid doing too many at one time.

I also like the connection to Children's Hospital (they do great stitches, which most kids will need at some point) and the fact that their urgent care center on weekends is the Davis Square building.

[by-lime.livejournal.com]

I am also 20 weeks pregnant! Thanks OP and responders for all the info.