I Guess the Guns A Blazin' Was Overkill

Yesterday was Shel's one month appointment with the pediatrician. Based on my previous experiences with Dr. M, I knew her level of sympathy for a Mom with a colicky baby is lacking.

I vividly recall the one month appointment for Peanut. For the previous two weeks, I had dealt with a baby who had cried for hours on end. I was exhausted. Several phone calls to Dr. M's nurse prior to the visit had yielded such bullshit advice as "put his carseat on the dryer" (didn't work), "give him a pacifier" (didn't work), "get a family member to come over and give you a break" (the closest family is 11 hours away), "some babies just need to cry, it's their exercise" (f*ck that). During the checkup, Dr. M asked several questions regarding his crying, what worked (nothing), did he spit up (all the time), what was my diet like (lunch meat and water). Her diagnosis wasn't what I'd wanted to hear, but relieved to hear at the same time.

There was nothing medically wrong with Peanut, he just had a fussy temperament. (You must be f*cking kidding me.)

Apparently I had not made it clear enough the amount of crying I'd endured. Apparently I made it seem that he cried only occasionally.

My concerns weren't going to be minimized this time. For Shel's one month appointment, I was prepared. I had an entire speech planned out in my head, complete with details about the arching back, violent spit-ups, stiffening, crying when awake. I made a list of what I thought might help including baby Zantac, probiotic drops, a chiropractor, and baby Ambien (just kidding, well not really).

I went in with guns a blazin' and a chip on my shoulder. I was going to be heard, damnit.

Amazing how Dr. M's own 3 month old colicky baby has changed her tune. Of course I'd never wish a colicky baby on anyone, but in this case, it certainly helped my cause.

I left Dr. M's office with a prescription for baby Zantac and some prescription colic drops. All I had to say was that she cried all day when awake and that she arched her back. Oh my how the sympathy poured! She knew just how hard it was to deal with a baby that you couldn't soothe. There's just no reason not to give her something if it might help. I'm supposed to call back next week with an update. If she's not significantly better, then we'll try something else.

So, the guns a blazin' was overkill. Heh.

On another great note, Shel now tops the scales at 7 pounds. She's already grown an inch and a half. I'm so relieved to know she's growing and healthy other than the possible acid reflux.

I'm so relieved that the doctor is actually trying to help. Validation feels great!