“Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNs aren’t able to practice their love with women all across this country.” –George W. Bush
Although good ol’ Mr. Bush uttered this infamous “foot in mouth” quote, it does indeed ring true. OB/GYNs are a pretty unique bunch. They voluntarily work each day with women (and their most modest womanly parts) who are weepy, euphoric, sleep deprived, incontinent, nauseated, chock full of worrisome questions AND they want their doctor to be part psychologist, part best friend, part omnipotent fortune teller. Tall order.
In his book Babyhood (which, I would highly recommend for hilarious nighttime reading aloud to your significant other), Paul Reiser says this:
“Women bond with their gynecologists. Men have none of this. You rarely hear men say, ‘I just love my proctologist.’ Or, ‘I really need a urologist I can talk to.’ For women, this relationship is very complex.
{During our appointment, my wife and I} went from serious adults who were discussing matters of medical importance with this trained professional to suddenly being just a goofy couple in a room, one of whom was virtually naked and had just been handled in the most personal of ways and the other of whom was standing there in a jacket.”
I met my new OB/GYN this week, Dr. Cathy Carr at Community North. I found her through Community’s ‘Find a Doctor’ Web link. She and her staff are just terrific. None of my obsessively hormonally based questions scared her off. She answered each of them with a smile, a nod and a reassuring answer to quell my fears. She did everything but offer me a large decaf chai latte. I definitely consider her ‘girlfriend’ material. Even without the latte.
What’s happening to baby this week?
*In the last four weeks, baby’s weight has doubled; weight is about two-and-a-half pounds.
*At the end of this week, baby has a good chance of survival if born early.
*The lungs are producing surfactant, a detergent type of substance that prepares the lungs for that first deep breath.
What’s happening with ME this week?
*I’m completely hormonal; dancing with my kids in the kitchen one moment…sobbing in a heap on the couch the next. My poor husband is at a loss.
*I’ve been living on cereal and fruit; it’s the only thing that sounds good this week.
*I still wouldn’t trade the experience of pregnancy for the ability to fit into ‘skinny jeans.’ Okay, well, maybe if they were really, really cute jeans that made me look like I had the backside of movie star. But, I’d probably still opt for being round and pregnant.
Looking for a pediatrician? Use our Find a Doctor tool to get started!
Let’s hear from you!
What is most important to you in your relationship with your OB/GYN or family physician?
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I loved Dr. Carr, she is a truly great Doctor.
I met her years ago at Community East, she had a PA called Stacey and waht a team they made. You are in good hands. Best of luck
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Thank you Billie; it’s reassuring to know that someone else has been to Dr. Carr. She really is a great doctor and person; and her staff is wonderful!
October 26th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Lisa, you are amazing! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us……