Megan’s new parenthood experience has been full of wonder and worry.
When her now 4-month-old daughter Lucy was born without complications, Megan was overjoyed. But once she returned home from the hospital, she felt overwhelmed by the immense responsibility of caring for her newborn.
“When we brought Lucy home, I was so in awe of her. I just wanted to take the best care of her, but I was so tired and scared,” says Megan, a CHOC employee. “In those early days, the highs were so high, but the lows were so low.”
Megan had taken multiple newborn and birth classes to prepare, but it felt different once Lucy arrived — it became real. The support from her family, friends and Lucy’s care team got her through.
Before she was born, Megan picked Lucy’s pediatrician using CHOC’s guide to choosing a pediatrician. Lucy had three check-ups with CHOC pediatrician Dr. Angela Allevato during her first two weeks.
Navigating the early days of parenthood
“Those appointments in the early days gave me so much security and reassurance,” says Megan. “I looked forward to them because I knew Dr. Allevato and her team would ensure that Lucy and I were both doing OK.”
Megan was able to bring both her questions and her fears to Lucy’s appointments.
“I never felt rushed. I could ask all my questions about the weird things Lucy was doing,” says Megan. “Like when Lucy’s joints would pop or when it felt like she had the hiccups all day.”
Finding trust in pediatric care from CHOC
Megan valued Dr. Allevato’s reassurance, especially in today’s increasingly digital world.
“Although the internet is full of amazing resources, it was easy for me to get lost in the noise,” she says. “I was targeted by newborn advice videos online and it was overwhelming. My mind was just full of the opinions of strangers, and I didn’t know who to trust.”
“I tried to cling to the advice from Dr. Allevato and CHOC. I knew I could trust it,” says Megan.
A few months later, when symptoms from Lucy’s first cold lingered, Megan knew exactly where to turn for help: CHOC’s 24/7 Nurse Advice Line. She called 844-GET-CHOC to receive free advice from CHOC pediatric experts.
Building confidence as a new mom
“I felt so grateful to have that resource,” says Megan. “The nurse was wonderful. She was kind, nonjudgemental and gave me a ton of great tips to help Lucy feel better.”
CHOC’s personal, practical advice made a significant difference in Megan’s new motherhood journey.
“CHOC has given me the confidence to best care for Lucy,” says Megan. “I still have a lot to learn, but I know they will always be there for us.”
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From babies to teens, pediatricians from CHOC’s Primary Care Network partner with parents to offer immunizations, sick visits, sports physicals and more.
