Wednesday, January 08, 2003
Parker just got back from his 15 month doctor's appointment. He did remarkably well, and has continued to grow. Of course, when I look back, I see he's grown very little. At 12 months, he was 21 lbs 13 oz, 29.5" tall, and had a head circumference of 47 cm. Today, at his 15 month appointment his stats were 22 lbs. 1 oz. (25%ile), 30.5" tall (40%ile), with a head circumberence of 47.5 cm (70%ile). The pediatrician wasn't at all concerned as he's still growing, but I was pretty shocked when I realized he'd only gained 4 ounces, 1 inch and .5 cm in 3 months!! What happened to my 95%ile weight baby!!! (Meant in jest, of course ... he's moving non-stop). Parker received two shots: HepB and DTaP/HIB combination. We've decided to hold off on the MMR so that it can be given on its own, probably at 24 months. Dr. H. was fine with that, and didn't even mention the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine.
However, yet another nail was put in the coffin for retaining him as a pediatrician today, though. It was about carseats. I mentioned we still had Parker rear-facing and he said we could turn him around. I informed him that I had read several studies and had decided it was in Parker's best interest to remain rear-facing, like they do with toddlers in Europe. He responded saying, "Well, all the studies I've read state you only have to be 20 pounds." Ummmmm, EXCUSE ME??????? Parker was almost 20 pounds at 6 months. Are you suggesting he was old enough to be forward facing then? By his definition, that's true! He didn't even mention being over a year! He continued to try to tell us how there was absolutely no reason to keep Parker rear-facing. I've seen the video. I've read about how infant spinal column bones aren't fully calcified. Sounds like our pediatrician doesn't keep himself up to date with safety concerns ... could it really hurt to be overly cautious about things like this??
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