MMD BLOG


CATEGORY:

No More Hot Mess Moms

NAVIGATING PEDIATRICIAN VISITS LIKE A PRO

 Modern Mommy Doc


PUBLICATION DATE:

April 25, 2024

NAVIGATING PEDIATRICIAN VISITS LIKE A PRO

 Modern Mommy Doc

CATEGORY: No More Hot Mess Moms

Your baby wakes up in the middle of the night with a runny nose and a cough. You take her temp and it reads 99.7. Is it allergies? A cold coming on? Is it worth calling the on-call nurse? Will she think you’re just being paranoid and be irritated that you called? What if it turns into something worse by the morning?


Not only have I seen parents encountering this situation countless times in my years as a pediatrician, I’ve actually asked myself the same questions. And once you’re finally in front of the doctor, it can be equally as nerve wracking to make sure that you get the best care for your child. What if your child’s symptoms are gone by the time you get to your appointment? How do you describe that you know something just isn’t “right”?


I want to demystify the process of talking to your pediatrician, so that you can know exactly how to make the most out of your visits with your doctor. Here are 6 things to keep in mind next time you’re making a trip to the doctor’s office.


First things first, trust your gut.

You know your child better than anyone else, so if something feels off, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call your pediatrician. Whether it's a small cough or a lingering fever, your intuition is a powerful tool in advocating for your child's health. And truthfully, we moms need to start trusting our guts with our kids in a whole lotta areas. Not just their health.


Second, when it comes to choosing a pediatrician, don't be afraid to be choosy.

Look for a doctor who is not only trained specifically in pediatrics, but also someone you feel comfortable with. Your pediatrician should be someone you can trust and who welcomes all your questions and concerns with open arms. Never allow your concerns to be dismissed or to leave an appointment with questions you didn’t ask (or worse, that they didn’t answer or find a resource for!)


Third, there’s lots of times when this applies, but when you're at the doctor's office, honesty is for sure the best policy.

Just like you need to be honest when your doctor asks how much exercise you’re getting or how many drinks you’re consuming in a week, be upfront about your child's symptoms and the duration of their illness. Details matter, and even small differences in symptoms can lead to different treatment approaches. A 24 hour fever is different from a 5 day fever. And I’d ask a lot more clarifying questions at that point as well. Remember, your pediatrician is there to help, not judge, so don't be afraid to share what's really going on.


Fourth, trust that we believe you.

When you say your kid has been miserable the last few days, we get it. You don't need to prove how sick your child is by letting them suffer through a fever until your doctor's appointment. It's perfectly okay to give them fever-reducing medication beforehand. In fact, it can sometimes be easier for doctors to accurately assess your child's condition by how it reacts to those over the counter meds. 


Fifth, remember that illnesses can shift day by day, or even hour by hour.

And pediatricians get this. What may seem like a minor issue one moment can escalate into something more serious the next. That's why we give so many after-visit instructions and encourage follow-up appointments if needed. Don't hesitate to reach out if your child's condition changes or doesn't improve as expected.


Lastly, don't be afraid to ask questions.

Your pediatrician is here to guide you through your child's illness and recovery process. Whether you're seeking clarification on a diagnosis or wondering when your child will be back to their usual self, your pediatrician WANTS to help you and to set your mind at ease. So, don't hold back – ask away!


Dealing with a sick child can be one of the toughest parts of being a working mom. But remember, you're not alone. Your pediatrician is here to support you every step of the way. Trust your instincts, be honest, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Together, we'll get through those doctor visits and get your little one back to their happy, healthy selves in no time.

Raising Body-Confident Kids Starts at the Doctor's Office!

START NOW
By Dr. Whitney October 1, 2025
About the Episode: In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with Miyaeva Renae—full-time creator, business owner, and intentional mom—to talk about the real side of new motherhood. Miyaeva opens up about the anxiety and overwhelm she faced after having her son, Stetson, and the rituals that helped her navigate postpartum life with more calm and self-compassion. From calling on her mom and her village for support to learning the importance of asking her fiancé for breaks, she shares how she learned to prioritize her own mental health while caring for her baby. You’ll also hear: How social media both fuels perfectionism and provides unexpected mom-to-mom support. Why ASMR and organization videos became part of her “calm the chaos” toolkit. Her honest take on breastfeeding, weaning, and the bittersweet milestones of a first year. The behind-the-scenes of life as a creator—and why she’s shifting from picture-perfect posts to more authentic, supportive content for moms. The story behind her new clothing line, Every September, created to fill the gap for boy moms who want neutral, stylish mommy-and-me outfits. This conversation is equal parts refreshing and relatable—a reminder that no mom has it all together, and that sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves is permission to be real. Key Takeaways: Motherhood isn’t perfect—and that’s okay. Miyaeva shares how postpartum anxiety pushed her to let go of perfection and focus more on the present moment with her son. Support systems matter. Leaning on her mom, best friend, and fiancé helped her find calm during stressful moments. Self-care can be simple. From eye masks to slippers to a warm shower, Miyaeva shows that little rituals make a big difference in mental health. Authenticity over perfection. Social media can amplify pressure, but it can also create powerful connections when moms are honest about the highs and lows. New ventures come from lived experience. Her clothing line, Every September, was born from her own frustration as a boy mom looking for stylish, neutral mommy-and-me outfits. About Our Guest Miyaeva Renae is a full-time digital creator, entrepreneur, and mom to her one-year-old son, Stetson. Known for her organizing hacks, “day in the life” videos, and calming ASMR routines, she has built a supportive online community of moms who value honesty and relatability over perfection.  Beyond content creation, Miyaeva is the founder of Every September, a clothing brand designed to make mommy-and-me matching accessible and stylish—especially for boy moms. She’s passionate about helping moms feel seen, supported, and less alone in the messy, beautiful reality of parenthood. ✨ Follow Miyaeva: TikTok & YouTube: @miyaevrenae Instagram: @miyaeva Clothing Line: everyseptember.co Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Pre-order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body before it launches on October 20, 2025. 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you pre-order, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid—even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
By Dr. Whitney September 26, 2025
What if taking GLP-1s makes me MORE body positive?
By Dr. Whitney September 11, 2025
Is talking about GLP-1s with our kids completely off-limits?
Creata
By Dr. Whitney August 27, 2025
Create a new story for your kids
By Dr. Whitney August 27, 2025
It's normal to not be head over heels about your kids all the time.

Welcome! Get the information you need to win at parenting without losing yourself.

LEARN MORE

My Kids' Book on Body Confidence is Finally Here!


Wish your partner would do more to lessen your mental load?


Want to make self-care a priority but not sure how to?


SIGN UP FOR SUSTAINABLE SELF-CARE. IT'S FREE. CLICK HERE



FRESH

ON THE PODCAST


By Dr. Whitney October 1, 2025
About the Episode: In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with Miyaeva Renae—full-time creator, business owner, and intentional mom—to talk about the real side of new motherhood. Miyaeva opens up about the anxiety and overwhelm she faced after having her son, Stetson, and the rituals that helped her navigate postpartum life with more calm and self-compassion. From calling on her mom and her village for support to learning the importance of asking her fiancé for breaks, she shares how she learned to prioritize her own mental health while caring for her baby. You’ll also hear: How social media both fuels perfectionism and provides unexpected mom-to-mom support. Why ASMR and organization videos became part of her “calm the chaos” toolkit. Her honest take on breastfeeding, weaning, and the bittersweet milestones of a first year. The behind-the-scenes of life as a creator—and why she’s shifting from picture-perfect posts to more authentic, supportive content for moms. The story behind her new clothing line, Every September, created to fill the gap for boy moms who want neutral, stylish mommy-and-me outfits. This conversation is equal parts refreshing and relatable—a reminder that no mom has it all together, and that sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves is permission to be real. Key Takeaways: Motherhood isn’t perfect—and that’s okay. Miyaeva shares how postpartum anxiety pushed her to let go of perfection and focus more on the present moment with her son. Support systems matter. Leaning on her mom, best friend, and fiancé helped her find calm during stressful moments. Self-care can be simple. From eye masks to slippers to a warm shower, Miyaeva shows that little rituals make a big difference in mental health. Authenticity over perfection. Social media can amplify pressure, but it can also create powerful connections when moms are honest about the highs and lows. New ventures come from lived experience. Her clothing line, Every September, was born from her own frustration as a boy mom looking for stylish, neutral mommy-and-me outfits. About Our Guest Miyaeva Renae is a full-time digital creator, entrepreneur, and mom to her one-year-old son, Stetson. Known for her organizing hacks, “day in the life” videos, and calming ASMR routines, she has built a supportive online community of moms who value honesty and relatability over perfection.  Beyond content creation, Miyaeva is the founder of Every September, a clothing brand designed to make mommy-and-me matching accessible and stylish—especially for boy moms. She’s passionate about helping moms feel seen, supported, and less alone in the messy, beautiful reality of parenthood. ✨ Follow Miyaeva: TikTok & YouTube: @miyaevrenae Instagram: @miyaeva Clothing Line: everyseptember.co Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Pre-order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body before it launches on October 20, 2025. 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you pre-order, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid—even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
By Dr. Whitney September 11, 2025
Is talking about GLP-1s with our kids completely off-limits?
Creata
By Dr. Whitney August 27, 2025
Create a new story for your kids