I know this will upset many in the "crunchy" community, but I actually think well-checks are more than "jab" appointments and can be beneficial... but the key is finding a provider you align with.
As a mom of 3 that aims to go more natural minded on things, I go to well checks... and I do not follow the "schedule". I found a provider that supports me and aligns with me.
Before I had my medical baby, I went to well-checks with my two older kids. While I didn't go on the specific CDC recommend timeline, I still went annually or according to my own gut feeling.
While I personally believe in the idea of "you know your child best" - I also believe that having a second set of eyes on my child from a trusted provider is beneficial.
There are things I am not well versed on, or trained in - picking up on certain eye, heart, etc. issues as an example - that perhaps they notice.
And honestly, I am with my kiddo non stop everyday - there could potentially be things I overlook that could be problematic.
Last week I went in for a well visit and to get a referral to a GI and ENT for my middle kiddo - because I know something is off and I want a second set of eyes on him to see if it's something potentially more serious.
Could you also argue that they may press you on something that actually isn't a big deal? Or even misdiagnose something - sure. Or perhaps we circle back to the idea of these appointments just being "jab checks" - but; Like with anything I think it's important to consider the pros/cons - the nuance.
However, I think that this is where finding a provider you align with, you can trust, and you have a mutual respect for each other... is key.
Maybe it's a family doctor, maybe a pediatrician, maybe an integrative doctor... etc.
When I had my medical baby, you know what actually proved to be beneficial for us?
Having an established, documented relationship with a provider.
It may sounds strange to read to most - but let me explain...
My provider was in contact with me the entire 5 months my baby was in the
NICU, she received his records daily and I was able to ask her for a second opinion on things; in the instance I wanted one.
What I didn't realize is how much my hospital would be in contact with her before we discharged.
They wanted proof I set up appointments for my baby post discharge and more.
We ended up being able to discharge much earlier than anticipated because of that - having an established relationship with a provider and one that could advocate for us as parents assisted us in being able to wean many medications at home instead of staying in the hospital for another month to do it.
It also allowed us to go home on a NG feeding tube - many hospitals actually don't like doing this.
A paper trail in this day and age actually was beneficial.
Sure, my situation isn't the "norm" and you can argue that it's more extreme.
But one thing I came to realize, no parent ever expects to be part of a 'rare statistic until we end up becoming the rare.
Sometimes you can make all the plans in the world, things can be smooth sailing - but life still likes to start lifeing... and sometimes it'll rip the rug out from under you when you are not anticipating it.
I understand that finding a provider you align with can be difficult - especially in certain states where going against the established "schedule" is heavily frowned upon. And like with absolutely every profession out there - there are also just straight up not good providers.
But, I do just want you to know that the good providers are out there.
Sometimes they don't take insurance, sometimes it may be wayyyy too far of a drive - these are all things you have to consider for your own unique situation.
I am just sharing my own.
I think like with anything on social media, I just want to encourage you to make the best decision for you/your family.
You do not have to do something just because your favorite influencer does, or it's the "crunchy" thing to do.
Truthfully, pre my medical baby I remember being "afraid" to mention it on social media that I took my kids to well checks because of the backlash.
