A New Parent's Journey
Welcoming a newborn is a joyful, but often challenging journey for parents. Megan, a new mom, found herself feeling anxious and overwhelmed upon returning home with her daughter.
Thankfully, she turned to the CHOC Primary Care Network where compassionate care teams provided essential guidance, advice and support that gave Megan the reassurance needed that she was providing the best care possible for her newborn.
From expert pediatricians, to a 24/7 free nurse advice line, CHOC’s Primary Care Network is here for families at every stage.
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“A New Parent’s Journey” Transcript
Megan: They say when you are raising a child that it takes a village. Right from the beginning that felt very true. As we were taking care of Lucy, they were taking care of us.
Megan: When you first bring home a baby, you’re so tired and overwhelmed. Your life has changed drastically. As much as you can prepare for it, you just can’t.
Megan: The CHOC Primary Care Network and CHOC’s 24/7 Nurse Advice Line have been really helpful on this journey.
Dr. Angela Allevato: I believe the roll of a pediatrician is that of a healer, a counselor and a teacher.
Megan: Dr. Allevato and her whole staff became part of our village. I feel so reassured and safe being in the CHOC family.
Dr. Angela Allevato: Pediatrics, in general, is like a medical home for a patient and their family. When we see a new baby, it’s like they are joining our family.
Megan: Having a baby in this digital age is, on one hand, really great. There’s so many resources at your fingertips. On the other hand, there’s so many resources at your fingertips. I didn’t know who to believe.
Megan Sanford: 844-GET-CHOC is a completely free nurse advice line that is hosted by CHOC and staffed by nurses and care manager assistants who have all dedicated their careers to helping children.
Megan: I just feel like there’s a wealth of knowledge at my fingertips with CHOC that I don’t have to get lost in all the noise. I can just go straight to them.
Megan Sanford: Knowing that there is somebody there 24/7, overnight, on a holiday, and when you’re by yourself. You know you have the support of CHOC.
Megan: I know that I am still learning. There’s so much to learn. I’m still brand new at this. I know that I’ve set up the steps to become the best possible parent for Lucy.
Dr. Angela Allevato: We do more than just diagnose diseases. We’re there for patients during difficult times and joyful times.We provide reassurance and guidance throughout a child’s life.
Megan: Honestly, going to the pediatrician and getting out of the house made us feel more human. We were seeing people who cared for us and Lucy. It really felt like a lifeline. I felt like, “Okay, if I can just get to Friday I’ll know that Lucy’s okay and therefore I’m okay.”
Megan: So I just really am thankful to have found people who care for my baby so well.
Megan: I just feel like I have everything I need because of CHOC.