Natural stuff and babies and stuff

I walked into the office wondering if incense would be burning in the corner next to the receptionist.

Nope, just the receptionist answering phones in a very calm voice.

Wooden toys were out for kids to play with while waiting for the doctor along with a kid-sized tent.

The receptionist thanked me for filling out the 6-pages-long form and told me that Dr. K would be out soon. So, Austin and I chilled out while watching a woman with a thick European accent and elementary aged child wait for their medicinals.

While looking down at Austin (who is now amazed by the fact that he has two hands) a woman called out "Austin". I looked up half expecting a shaman with a wooden stick and feathers hanging off the top. Nope, she looked like...well, a doctor. (Whatever that means.)

She led us to her office where a student that is training under her was already sitting. The student had long dreadlocks, a very pretty face with a hint of pink lipgloss. The student took notes that she would later hand to me as this was going to be a one hour long visit (all well-baby appointments are one hour long). And let me tell you, thank goodness for the notes.

Dr. K took one look at Austin's little pink rash under his neck and confirmed that it was a yeast rash. Not too serious, and could easily be remedied with apple cider vinegar. Just rub a bit on a wash cloth and wipe under his neck. Once I told her that it had been there for about four weeks she just went ahead and decided to try calendula cream. I told her we had gone to the pediatrician Austin normally sees but that his decision was a steroid cream which I'm not really into. Dr. K mentioned that yes the steroid would work, but would not take care of the actual problem which she later told me would be lack of probiotics in his diet due to be strictly formula fed.

We talked at length about vaccinations and his overall diet as well. Before I knew it, an hour had flown by. I feel so much more educated about vaccinations and how to introduce solid foods to Austin without throwing off his entire system. She also told me chamomile is great for babies, it helps to soothe them and that natural gripe water (the stuff from Baby's Bliss and other companies) is good for teething, gas and for when Austin has a cold.

It felt so nice to not be rushed and to walk out feeling a bit more empowered, which is nice when being a still green-behind-the-ears parent.