Though all opinions are my own, this blog post is sponsored by SSM Health. Click on these links for more information about their women’s health services, or to find a primary care providerfor you or a pediatric provider for your children.
After having kids, it was so important for me to find a great pediatrician and stay up to date on yearly check-ups, screenings, and immunizations As a new mom, I didn’t know where to start. I asked a few of my mom friends who also had Dean HealthPlan insurance and many of them referred me to the SSM Health Dean Medical Group
I decided to check out their website to read each doctor’s bio before making a choice of who to see. Honestly, I was drawn to the pediatricians who were moms, especially the ones who had multiple kids. In the end, I semi-randomly chose a pediatrician to start taking my kids to.
When it comes to doctors, I feel like there are two types, those who get you in and out and those who spend extra time discussing every little thing. I know that both styles of care are needed and desired by different people. I tend to be drawn to the doctors who spend extra time chatting, but I also like to get in and out when it’s something simple like a quick ear infection.
Luckily, SSM Health Dean Medical Group has an amazing pediatric team. Honestly, we have seen them all for different reasons and I love them all. They fit so well together because they are not alike, rather they complement each other. Some are quick and to the point while others take the time to discuss a myriad of topics during the appointment.
My children’s pediatrician is such a kind and gentle soul. She carries herself in such a manner that children are drawn to her. She exudes kindness. When we were at Elliana’s and Sophie’s last well check, Elliana was nervous to get her shots, but as soon as her pediatrician walked into the room her nerves just seemed to dissipate.
The appointment was fun. The doctor spoke to Elliana, discussing what she was checking as she checked over her body. Then they chatted about what Elliana likes to play at home, how school was going, what her favorite toy is and a few other fun topics. Elliana loved being the center of attention and having a conversation with her. As I thought we were wrapping the appointment up, the pediatrician took a book out and started to read with Elliana. It was a great way for her to model how parents should read with their kids and reinforce good reading habits with young learners. Plus, the best part was that Elliana got to take the book home.
When it finally came time to get her shots, Elliana was feeling extra brave. She winced a bit but didn’t even shed a tear. I think this speaks not only to our pediatrician’s ability to make children feel confident, strong, and important, but also to Elliana’s super strong willed and brave personality.
I love that SSM Health Dean Medical Group allows us to book back-to-back appointments for multiple kids. I always try to double up on the well checks when I can. If you recall, babies have several during their first year, so I always match Sophie’s appointment up with the other three’s well checks.
At Sophie’s 4 month visit we started discussing when and how to introduce solid foods. I learned that even allergen foods are recommended to be introduced early and often. This had changed since I last had discussed solids with her. I am so glad that the doctors at SSM Health Dean Medical Group stay up to date with new, ever evolving medical data and information.
Although our pediatrician recommended starting Sophie on solids at 4 months, I expressed that I wasn’t ready to start just yet. She never once pressured me to do so, she just said (not a direct quote) – I am just passing on the current recommendations, but you are the mom and I know you will make the right decisions for Sophie when it’s time. – I left that appointment feeling the utmost respect for her. Because of that, I did ponder the idea of feeding Sophie solids at an earlier age than I had originally intended to. In the end, I noticed she was ready to start solids at 5 months of age. So, we did, and we haven’t looked back since, that girl loves food.
There is nothing better than knowing my family is in good hands with our primary care doctors and pediatricians at SSM Health Dean Medical Group.
