My Sister and I Growing Up
Growing up, Andrea and I were typical sisters. One minute we were building Barbie mansions out of cardboard boxes, the next minute pulling each other’s hair. There was lots of love between us, but our closeness in age sometimes made things a little too close for comfort.
But as we entered adulthood, we became very close. We stopped pulling each other’s hair and started leaning on each other for life’s big moments. So naturally, when we were both expecting our first children within a couple of months of each other, we knew our kids hit the cousin jackpot. Little did I know that having a sister who was also a pediatrician was the biggest jackpot of all.
My Sister as a Pediatrician
Andrea’s knowledge was gained during long years of training and education. My use of her pediatric knowledge started from the moment I was in the hospital for the birth of my first son. I spent the first few days of his life struggling to breast feed my brand new baby. I quickly learned the first of my motherhood heart breaks that breastfeeding doesn’t magically happen. Andrea sat with me in the hospital a whole day and helped me try different ways to get my baby to latch. I found her hands on knowledge to be way more helpful that the lactation consultant that came to my room.
Over the first year of my child’s life, I called her with every question I could think of. We discussed everything from schedules, feeding, naps, car seats , etc. She was super patient and so helpful and her advice was always spot on.
Where the use of my sister’s expertise really kicked into high gear was when I had twins 2 years ago. These two children are vastly different from my first. I am pretty sure she has saved me lots and lots of money on potential pediatrician or ER visits. Having her to talk with about the latest injury or illness saved me from rushing these wild boys off to the ER for their latest head gash or toe stub.
Direct Access to a Pediatrician
Having direct access to your pediatrician is worth it’s weight in gold. My boys have a local pediatrician because Andrea and I don’t live close to each other. Also, she can’t be my children’s official pediatrician since we are related. So, I experience what it is like to call in to try to get a sick appointment with your actual pediatrician at a time that works around everyone’s schedule. If I just have a question for the doctor, I have to call in and leave a message for a nurse. Often, I wait for a call back, and if I miss that call I have to start the process all over again. It can be frustrating.
Calling a physician directly and getting immediate medical advice is such a gift. I really hope more doctors start to adapt this style of practice in the future. But for now I consider myself the lucky one because after all, my sister is a pediatrician.
This is a guest post. Angella Fallin is my sister and confidant. She is happily married with three young children. She stays home to raise her boys and runs her household with grace and kindness.
