| Author | Message | ||
     Jersey girl Citizen Username: Critterlover Post Number: 72 Registered: 2-2004 |
Congratulations to Notehead and Pippi! I am fairly new here on MoL, so I don't really know anyone yet... but I want to add my felicitations ! Any ''new baby'' news is always something to celebrate, in my book! Mazel tov! Jersey girl | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2483 Registered: 8-2003  |
monster - thank you for dragging my skeletons out of the closet  tom - I haven't seen you on the train in a few weeks, or I'd have told you personally. Or, you might have figured it out  JML - thanks for the offer! I suppose I should make a decision soon.... Jersey Girl - thanks for the good wishes! Don't worry, this crowd isn't shy, you'll meet lots of MOLers soon. | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4676 Registered: 5-2001 |
Pippi, you look so darn cute! I am so excited for the first MOL union baby! Love, Auntie Vig | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2484 Registered: 8-2003 |
thanks Auntie VIG!  | ||
| Pam Korn Citizen Username: Eema Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2006 |
Great Auntie Pam checking in here... My nickname is PP but that's too similar to Pippi, so I will be Eema. male name: mrbtabr female name: mrbtabra add the 'a' to denote feminine gender Oops, that puts 'a bra' on The Kid wayyyy too early. eeeewwww never mind I'll buy the special SPF-99-gazillion baby sunscreen for your visits to FLORIDA. | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5765 Registered: 3-2002  |
I have assisted in many births, with and without painkillers... jml, just curious...is that you with or without the painkillers or the women you were assisting with or without painkillers?  Pippi, You need to have the baby at Staten Island Hospital...if your child is not born on Staten Island, I believe they can never be Borough President. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2487 Registered: 8-2003 |
Great Aunt Eema! Welcome to MOL! If all goes well the mrbtabr will making the first FLA appearance sometime end of February. You'd better not have any trips planned  Break out the sunscreen and beer! xoxo Hank - I think once you leave, you can't go back. I left. On purpose.  | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2502 Registered: 8-2003 |
Pediatricians when should we start the process of finding one? I have read that people "interveiw" pediatricians before they give birth. I could see the benefit to this, but what kinds of questions would we ask? "Do you like children?" doesn't seem quite right... Any suggestions? Aside from a nice, gentle demeanor, what should we look for? | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 2475 Registered: 11-2001  |
Watch for how well he/she answers questions, and how well he/she listens. Check out the demeanor of the office staff. Get a sense of how long people wait in the waiting room. If it's a private practice, find out who covers when the doc is away. If it's a group practice, find out if your child sees one doc or all in the practice. Try to gauge how the doc feels about new parents and their "issues". If you call a few times a week with questions, are they going to be dismissive or tolerant? But most important, be sure you and Notehead are comfortable with the doctor/doctors. This is the person who is going to, presumably, see your child for many years, and if you have any misgivings at all, for whatever reason, go elsewhere. I picked our current pediatrician because he was Little boy ess's mohel. I fell in love with him at once. He is in Summit, which is not prohibitively far, but not around the corner, and I have never been sorry. More if you need it. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2504 Registered: 8-2003 |
good tips. Thanks ess. I will probably want your dr's number. Would a doctor tell me if they won't be receptive frequent calls? when do you think we should conduct the interviews? I have read that you want to have it in place before you give birth so they can be the doctor to check the kid out. Others have told me the pediatrician on call will check the kid out and we would then just take the kid to the doctor after we go home. | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 2476 Registered: 11-2001 |
I don't know if the doctor would tell you if they wouldn't be receptive, but you might be able to get a sense by asking a number of questions sort of around the same thing and see how "patient" he is. Conduct the interviews a bit closer to the due date, I would say. Ideally, you'd like the pediatrician you've selected to check out the baby in the hospital. However, you'd have to coordinate this all with the docs...yours and the pediatrician. In the case of the second one, I gave birth in Hackensack so a doctor from our former practice gave him his first check-up, and then at the 2 week point, we went to Summit. Either way is OK. | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 4136 Registered: 12-2004  |
My pediatrician is in Millburn right near Whole Foods. I love, love, love him. He so loves the kids and they love him. I chose him because he was recommended by several neighbors. I never conducted an interview with him, but was very impressed when I called his office on my second day home--in a panic because of one thing or another--and HE, himself, answered the phone. I felt like that was a good sign. And I have never been disappointed. He speaks to me like I'm an intelligent adult, and never, ever thinks any question is "dumb." And I can assure you from experience that he is absolutey receptive to frequent calls (as well as frequent visits--I think I was there something like 6 times in the first two weeks of my first child's life). He is also really good about returning calls. He very much trusts and respects a mother's (or father's) intuition, and encourages you to trust it too. His office staff has never been anything but wonderful, on the phone and in person. When my first was born we had the doctor on call check him. With my other two, it was my much beloved pediatrician. Personally, I would prefer it be the pediatrician of my choice. Doesn't hurt that he's tall, dark and handsome too! | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2505 Registered: 8-2003 |
thanks, MATB. I'd like YOUR doc's # too! 'specially 'cause he's tall, dark and handsome  | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 1642 Registered: 5-2005  |
I love our pediatrician, but I have to say, that is a wonderful recommendation that MATB has given to hers... | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 4137 Registered: 12-2004 |
Donald Cotler, MD 171 Millburn Ave Millburn, New Jersey 07041 Phone: (973) 912-0400 Lots of folks I know go to Dr. Cotler. Several friends switched at my recommendation, and absolutely love him. I forgot to add that I rarely wait very long for an appointment. They also have sick kid drop-in hours in the early mornings during the school year, so if you need to rush over after a long night, you can just pick up and go without worrying about an appointment. They're also very, very accomodating in terms of appointments for sick kids. I've generally gotten an appointment the morning of the day I call. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2506 Registered: 8-2003 |
Do they have evening hours? Is he the only doc in the practice? | ||
| sac Supporter Username: Sac Post Number: 3567 Registered: 5-2001 |
We really like the Gruenwald/Comandatore/et al practice but there are also some who do not. There have been a number of discussion threads about this practice as well as pediatricians in general. You should probably do some searching in the archives. I expect that they are mostly under Please Help, but possibly a few in the Soapbox, also. I don't remember most of what we asked, but we did interview pediatricians and among the questions we asked was how the in-hospital checkups worked and how they handled coverage for holidays, vactions, etc. We were also concerned about inclusion in our insurance plan since a number of doctors were closing their practices to new patients from our particular insurance at that time. It turned out that was the case with Gruenwald and his associates a few weeks later when we actually had the baby. However, they considered us an established patient because we had done the interview and therefore allowed us to continue with them. | ||
| mjh Supporter Username: Mjh Post Number: 629 Registered: 5-2001 |
Love the way Dr. Cotler speaks to my son. Love the way he listens to me. Office staff is the absolute best I've ever experienced. You'll never be made to feel you are a PIA. I had almost lost hope in finding a pediatrician I liked as much as the one we had in Brooklyn. Thankfully, we've finally done it. Go with your instincts.....you'll either feel welcome, at ease, and confident, or you'll feel at least one of these qualities is missing. | ||
| CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 2313 Registered: 6-2002 |
I think you're going to find the opinion on Cotler unanimous - he is really great. I've never heard a single complaint about him, and my family gives him rave reviews. One of the things I like is that he treats my daughter like an adult (you've met her, she's 8) and respects her intelligence. He asks her to describe what's going on herself, and then he'll explain the possiblities to her in words she'll understand. He'll use medical terminology with her, but explains the words. He encourages her to ask questions. He has done this in an age-appropriate way ever since we started going to him, when she was 4. I think this is wonderful, as it is helping her become an active and informed patient. I don't know about evening hours to be honest, but he does have early-morning drop-in hours - no appointment needed. You can bring your sick kid there to get a professional "read" on whether kiddo is too sick to go to day care or school. Great for working parents. (don't know what your plans are in that respect .... but I'll bet there are SAHPs who are very grateful for this service, too.) I'm guessing that he'd be very happy to talk with you before the baby is born. He's just that kind of person. | ||
| CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 2314 Registered: 6-2002 |
PS one more thing about Cotler - we recently had an embarrassing issue and he dealt with it with such amazing sensitivity. My daughter was relieved to discuss with him and deal with the concern - and it could so easily have been humiliating for her. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2509 Registered: 8-2003 |
Thanks, all. Looks like I need to move Dr. Cotler to the top of my "interview" list! CLK, I don't know how anyone could NOT talk to your daughter like an adult. She's just that kind of really smart kid. Because I am planning to return to work, evening hours are really important, although the early morning drop in hours are a nice bonus. Keep the reco's coming! | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4681 Registered: 5-2001 |
I love Dr. Gruenwald. I usually see him, but have seen a few of the other drs. as well. He's cool, you'd like him...he's my mom's age, but has a pony tail and runs daily. I find him to be really sensible and I feel comfortable talking to him. | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 4144 Registered: 12-2004 |
Another thing about Dr. Cotler that I really love--and has nothing to do with his qualities as a doctor--is that he lives in Maplewood, which means we sometimes run in to him when we're out and about in town. Nothing more wonderful, down-home than that! | ||
| esq2 Citizen Username: Esq2 Post Number: 36 Registered: 6-2002 |
Congratulations!! I usually don't read or post in blogs, but this one caught my attention. I hope you continue to have an uneventful wonderful pregnancy. Dr. Cotler is my daughter's pediatrician and can't recommend him enough (I hope he doesn't get too busy now with all these glowing reviews!). I interviewed him right before my due date and although it seemed a little silly at the time, I was so glad I did it. He asked me a lot of questions about what I thought I wanted to do once the baby was born (breastfeeding vs formula, co-sleeping etc) and told me he would be supportive of whatever method we chose, he encouraged us to go with the flow and reminded me that every baby was different and not take everything I had read so far to literally. He is very easy going and patient (although he can be short at times with the parents, he is never impatient with the kids). When my daughter was one month old she got a terrible cold and HE called ME every single day to check up on her even if I had taken her in that morning to be checked. The added bonus for me is that he speaks Spanish, so in the rare chance I have had an emergency and have not been able to take my daughter in on time, my nanny has been able to speak with him and get accurate instructions on what to do or bring her in for him to check on her. He does have late evening hours but only one day a week (I think its Wednesdays), but I have never had issues getting an appointment when I needed one. The nurses and the receptionists are all nice, prompt and corteous. | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 4145 Registered: 12-2004 |
FWIW, Dr. Cotler has never been "short" with me, and I have been going to him for almost 8 years now. To be honest, I can't even imagine him being short with anyone. He's such a nice, easy-going man. And I wanted to add that Dr. Cotler takes just as good care of the new mom as he does of the new baby. I swear the man saved me from a breakdown in the first weeks with my first child. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2512 Registered: 8-2003 |
esq2 - good to hear that you did meet him before you gave birth. I am glad to know this isn't so unusual! so far, great recommendations! thanks guys! | ||
| shoshannah Citizen Username: Shoshannah Post Number: 1312 Registered: 7-2002 |
Cotler is very easy-going and it's hard to feel uncomfortable with him. I've called him at midnight, apologizing, and he just says, "It's no problem at all." Once (I think I might have told this story before) I arrived about two minutes late with my then-toddler for his early-morning walk-in hours. Cotler was already in the parking lot on the way to his car (he goes to the hospital after his early office hours). When he saw me pull in, he walked over to my car, motioned for me to roll down the window, and said, "What's up?" I told him that my son's ear was hurting, but that since I was late for early-morning walk-in I'd make an appointment for later in the day. He said, "Come on in now -- it's much easier for me to go back inside than for you to have to return later." I've never forgotten that. I could imagine other doctors pretending they didn't see me. | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 4146 Registered: 12-2004 |
Love, love, love Dr. Cotler! I know there have been times he's gone above and beyond for me to, just can't remember specifics right now. | ||
| BGS Supporter Username: Bgs Post Number: 1106 Registered: 10-2003 |
My girls were literally raised by Alan Lubin...back in the days when the now deceased, much loved, Dr LaConti was a part of his team. I do not know how things are now with him ( my girls left his practice when they were passed 21) but, I will tell you this...no matter who was on his staff, I made it a policy to have my girls meet them for sick visits so that if there were ever an emergency, whoever was on that day or night knew my child. Both Lubin and LaConte allowed me to interview them and I asked what they thought of breastfeeding etc...I wanted to breast feed and wanted support from whomever I chose to use. I found out their philosophy about dealing with anxious mothers etc and was comfortable with the answers that I got. I always got great treatment from the staff but that is because I always treated them with respect and made it a point to engage them in conversation when I was at the office. I truly suggest that you interview everyone that you hear good things about and pick someone who you personally feel good about.If you do not mesh with the doctor, you are going to hesitate calling when you have the new mother questions etc...and you should be able to call whomever you feel good about whenever you feel like it. There was never one single time that I regretted my choice of Doctors.... By the way....when Larry Gruenwald was with Dr. Lubin, he was also great with my children. Good luck with you decision making process.... Ciao! B | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2515 Registered: 8-2003 |
Thanks, B. I do plan to interview everyone I get a good reco for....and I feel better about it after reading what others have to say. so, I'm puffy already. The humidity and heat don't help, but my wedding band doesn't fit and my eyes are puffy. I sure didn't expect this so soon... Plus, Notehead tells me I am snoring already. I also expected that, but not for a few more months.  | ||
| notehead Supporter Username: Notehead Post Number: 3526 Registered: 5-2001  |
Fortunately, she doesn't snore like my dad... SNOOOOOORE SNOOOOOOOOORE ... ... !!! IS DAD STILL BREATHING?! OH GOD! DAD ARE YOU... SNOOOOOOOOORE | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4682 Registered: 5-2001 |
B, Dr. LaConti passed away right after my 8 year old was born, I think. I had seen him with my first a few times and really liked him. I can't forget the silver rings, turquoise belt buckle and cowboy boots! I liked Lubin a lot too, but just stuck with Gruenwald. | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 1682 Registered: 5-2005 |
I met pippi for the first time tonight. She is THE poster child for how all women would like to look when pregnant. She actually glowed and look fantastic. Good for her!!! | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2529 Registered: 8-2003 |
Thanks Soparents! I appreciate the kind words, even though I sure don't feel like the poster child! We just got back from a long weekend in Maine.... Overall, a really nice, relaxing trip. I had to spend each night indoors, as the mosquitos ate me alive and it took me some time to find all-natural "Bug dope" (as they say Down East), something that didn't have Deet. I will admit I was quite miserable and not feeling at all poster child-like. Other than that, we had a great time visiting with my sister and her family and extended family. Looking forward to Maplewoodstock this weekend. | ||
| red Citizen Username: Redy67 Post Number: 6228 Registered: 2-2003  |
How about books we can recommend for Pippi and Notehead? Some of my favs.. "Daddy Drinks because you cry" Daddy are We There Yet? by Miles Away Candle-Vaulting by Jack B. Nimble Little Bitty Froggies: Tad Pole Silly Rabbit: Trixie R. Forkids | ||
| Slideman Citizen Username: Slideman Post Number: 18 Registered: 5-2004 |
best book: Goodnight Moon M.D.: Dr. Robert Rabinowitz, Pediatric Group of W. Orange Pippi glowed even before she was blessed with child to be. | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4688 Registered: 5-2001 |
Pippi, my pregnant neighbor was using BOUNCE sheets. Supposedly they repel bugs, has to be bounce though from what I've read. Also, try Skin-So-Soft from Avon. Not the bug repellent, the bath oil. For years it's been said to repel insects. They have a nice, reasonable line of products. I just eat lots and lots of garlic, that helps too! | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2530 Registered: 8-2003 |
slideman - what a lovely thing to say! I think Notehead must have something to do with it.... I abhor Bounce sheets...I hate the way they smell! UGH. But if I want to enjoy summertime events outdoors, I may have to try it. I got a really nice roll on that is all essential oils, but I don't think it works much. You should know that mosquitos love me even when I am not pregnant, now it's just exacerbated since I can't use the heavy-duty products. | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2925 Registered: 9-2003  |
Skin so Soft really, really works. Where I used to live -- very muggy and mosquito-y -- even the toughest fishermen and constrution workers bought it and used it because it was so reliable. Yet, not toxic! | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2531 Registered: 8-2003 |
ok, ok I am sold. I have a cousin who sells Avon, I'll order some. any type in particular? |
