Towards the end of September my new born baby had been distressed for a couple of days. I contacted my health visitor who after listening to my concerns advised me to go to the GP as she believed he was suffering from reflux. The doctor telephoned me and reluctantly agreed to see my son.
On attending the health centre my baby had settled, however during the consultation he did show signs of pain and distress. The doctor felt his stomach and said it was soft and they had no concerns. They advised should there be any blood to contact a health professional. They told me the issue was I’m a first time mum, that babies cry! They also asked if I could tell how much milk I was giving my breastfed baby.
I became emotional and they said they would get an experienced female doctor to phone me, I am still waiting on that call.
I was a concerned mother with experience of babies, support from my husband , mother and a nursing degree, but despite this I left feeling inadequate and failing my new born.
When I returned home my mother was so concerned about mine and my baby's health that she contacted the health visitor. Rebecca phoned me and was in my house within an hour despite being a distance away. She was in the house in five minutes and confirmed her earlier diagnosis of reflux. She weighed him and his weight had increased healthily. She listened, reassured and supported me. She said she could no longer prescribe Gaviscon and said she would go to the health centre herself to ask for medication. After some she returned and said the prescription was to be emailed to the chemist. My husband went to the chemist and they had no record of it. My husband went to the health centre and it was at the desk. Despite it being the end of the day the pharmacist prepared the prescription so that I wasn’t left with nothing over the weekend.
Following the first dose there was immediate relief for my child and he was happy and settled and continues to be so.
The main points I’d like to make are
1. No new mum should ever be made to feel like I did at that consultation.
2. No new born baby should be left in unnecessary pain and distress.
3. I am always being told that I know my child best.
4. A total disrespect of the health visitor shown by the GP.
5. I do not wish my son or myself to be treated by this doctor again.
6. I would like to acknowledge the care and support given by Rebecca and the continued support given by the health visiting team.
"Disrespect of the health visitor shown by the GP"
About: Borders General Practices Borders General Practices Children and Young People's Services / Health Visiting Children and Young People's Services Health Visiting TD6 9BS
Posted by Tweed318 (as ),
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