Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson, Mama Doc
Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson is a mother of two young boys, pediatrician, a wife of pediatric radiologist and now a blogger. In an interview with Seattle Mom blogs, she shares that part of her blog’s mission is to illustrate her story and life where parents already are—online. She says that the internet provides a cadence of conversations for people who would otherwise be isolated and gives readers a sense of camaraderie.
On her blog, Seattle Mama Doc, Dr. Swanson marries personal anecdotes with professional knowledge, offering up her own recommendations on topics like flying with children in tow (she doesn’t recommend Benadryl) and breastfeeding while working. Her blog places her medical expertise in the context and setting of her life, with the idea of wellness shining through much more colorfully than any how-to book.
As a mother, Dr. Swanson understands how intimidating parenting can be. When it comes to mainstream media-induced panic on topics like H1N1, Dr. Swanson says if something feels hysterical, think about stepping away from it a bit to catch your breath or find another voice on the topic. You have to “zoom in and zoom out on the issue.” While search engine sleuthing can be empowering, unpredictable search results can compound fear. A search for “influenza + kids” can be drastically different from “swine flu + kids.”
“When your heart is pounding,” she says, “it goes against celebrating the health and wellness of your children.” Talking to your pediatrician or consulting an informed source allows parents to take the news into perspective.
She says that her role as a parent has already made her a better pediatrician. She has a few tips for parents and caregivers on how to make doctors visits successful. Keep a pad of paper handy and prioritize three or four of the best questions. Never be afraid to ask anything, even if you think it’s silly. Even if it’s about poop or especially if it’s about poop! (Her answer: all shades of brown and green are fine. Call your pediatrician if it’s red, white or black.)
She explains that while it is the doctor’s primary goal of the visit to ensure that your child is developing well and to do a thorough exam, you should not feel intimidated to ask questions or feel like you are imposing. Make sure to set the agenda early in the visit so you can feel comfortable. “We’re doing our best in empowering and helping families and together making a plan. Parents can be great advocates by making the pediatrician aware of concerns and questions early in the appointment.”
And in response to the timeless question–how do manage a work/life balance–Dr. Swanson confesses that she doesn’t have one. Finding a perfect zen with two boys at home and up to twenty-six patients in one day isn’t constant, though she does praise women who do succeed, adding that she’s not necessarily that person. “I feel fortunate that I have two wonderful boys who consume my heart but every day is not perfect and round. It can be edgy and I can feel like a failure, but I’m not willing to give up.”
You can read more of Dr. Swanson’s musings on motherhood, medicine and more at Seattle Mama Doc and follow her on !
Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson, excellent article. As mom to four being comfortable talking to your pediatrician is crucial. Write it down. You can always call later and ask for the head nurse if you forgot to ask something. Pediatricians like Dr. Kahn agrees every parent could use an extra hand while feeding solid foods when babies are ready at 6+ months and showing signs they are ready. The Help Yourself Feeding Solution was invented by a mother of twins! As seen in BabyTalk, Parenting, and Working Mother! This patent pending product suctions to a flat surface for children with disabilities. For babies 6+ months it keeps food from falling on the floor and is an educational tool for supervised self feeding development. This award winning product is worth looking into! Ask for it at your local baby product retailers near you or search Feeding Solution