So my 11-month-old has been running a fever for about 24 hours. Hubby and I have been talking back and forth whether it's a good idea to take him to the doctor. He tends to err on the side of taking him in; I feel like we should give it a few days. What did we do: Called our pediatrician and talked to her on the phone.

I love that our ped will return our calls each and every time and calm our fears. Most times she tells us it's not really necessary to bring him in, which saves us from making a doc's appointment when it's better that we keep the boys at home and rest.

It makes me feel like my boys are well taken care of!

I agree. It is so important to have a pediatrician who is willing to actually talk, even when no appointment is made.

I always struggle with my daughter because at the first sign of a fever, I want to bring her in. But it's always a virus, cold or some bug that can't be treated with antibiotics. You would think I would learn my lesson. I should just keep her home and comfy with some books or a movie rather than dragging her to the doctors at the first sign of a bug. But I guess it's not the worst thing a mommy can do...

My Pediatrician participates in the Pediatric After Hours Clinic. I have called several times for advice and guidance in the evenings and weekends. I love that I can reach someone to help me without bothering my Doc until/if it is necessary.

I LOVE our pediatrician. We really hit it off and I just love her approach. She is not hurried or rushed and she takes the time to really know us as a family. I came in one morning to the doctors office after a night of touch and go wondering do I take my daughter to the ER or wait and take her to the dr office in the am, when I explained this to our dr she said, "why didn't you call me?" I thought she meant the after hours on call service and she actually meant call her at home...She then proceeded to give me her home phone # and cell #...I felt soooo priveledged. I have only had to call her once and when I did she met me at her office within 20 minutes. For us ...being out here in Chiefland that is really special, as it is an hour drive to the closest ER...

Karen

Wow, that is very cool. I think it's so important to have a pediatrician (and office staff) a parent can call for even minor things.

Ours is like that. Sometimes I'll call and chat with the nurse who always encourages me to come in 'just to be safe' if she hears worry in my voice.