If there is one thing I have learned from having two children it is that my "mom gut" is usually spot on. You know what I'm talking about. That feeling in the pit of your stomach that something is just not right with your child. The feeling you get when you just know your son has an ear infection even though he does not currently have a fever or any other "common" symptoms. Or, how about the mom who knew her son had leukemia before he was diagnosed (true story). Moms just know. Working as a school counselor I know this to be true in every aspect of a child's health. Generally speaking, moms are the first ones to pick up on the fact that their child is being bullied or not fitting in at school.
In a day and age where there is information galore at your fingertips, it can be hard to not be sucked into the "Google" vortex. Let's be honest here, I know that I've "Googled" various symptoms of my children dozens of times and I'm sure I will do it again. Along with that, we have friends, family members and even strangers who are more than willing to give their two cents on just about every single situation when it comes to our kids. When you are discussing health matters it seems that this is no exception. By the time you arrive at the doctor's office you generally have a plethora of information swirling about!
For me, the issue is trying to decide if we need to go to the doctor's office or not. I seem to consult everyone other than the phone nurse to decide if a visit should occur. I beat myself up over not making a huge deal out of things, when I generally just need to go with my instinct and move forward. I know that there are parents on the other end of the spectrum as well. Quite frankly, it is hard not to be confused about what to do when even your doctor's office gives you mixed information about: When to call for fevers, how long they should have the fever, what to feed them if they have a fever or a stomach ache.... the list goes on! My head is spinning just thinking about it. I do value my doctor and trust his opinion, but even he will tell you that there is a second piece to the well being of your child... your instinct.
The conclusion I have come to and what generally tends to be tried and true is that "mom gut" feeling that I keep going back to. Moms, you know your kids best! Do you know everything? Absolutely not, but you know when something is wrong and 9 times out of 10 you are on the money! The most important thing to remember is to be in tune with them, be there for them, help them grow and love them to pieces!
Children’s health is at the top of every mother’s mind. What’s your favorite tip for raising a healthy baby? By replying, you will be entered to win an exclusive Million Moms Challenge Gift Pack, which includes an iPad2, a custom-made Million Moms Challenge pendant and a $50 donation in your name to Global Giving.
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Million Moms Challenge. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs November 14 to December 18, 2011. A random winner will be announced by December 20, 2011.
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