Disclaimer: Today’s post is sponsored by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, but my love for their services is all my own!
As a pregnant woman, I thought that the bible of parenting was the book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” but in hindsight I feel like there should be a book called “The Kid is Here, Now What?” As a new mom I was a wreck! I was, well…still am, a “fretter.” Forget helicopter parent, I was scared to death mom, calling my daughter’s pediatrician for everything. “She sleeps too much! She’s not sleeping enough! Her face was breaking out! She keeps throwing up! And, is her poop supposed to be that color? What to do, what to do, what to do!?”
Luckily I had a kind and calm pediatrician who would listen to my fears, treat me in the office and, when I was not satisfied with the answer, would refer me to CHOP. For those not in the know, CHOP stands for The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the CHOP Care Network is a state of the art, high quality institution that provides quality care for children in the Philadelphia area. I used CHOP as a child and continue using them for my daughter’s, “The Bee” needs.
As a child, I used to think visiting The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, CHOP, was fun. Sure, there was that pesky ol’ doctor’s visit that sometimes ended with a shot but while waiting there was a play area, a bright sunny space and a place to get treats. As the parent making the trek to CHOP for MY child, the visits are not fun but they are made bearable due to an atmosphere of caring and kindness provided by the staff.
The Bee has had some form of treatment through out the various facilities at CHOP since she was a toddler. Most of the experiences, while not fun, have been met with caring staff, physicians who take the time to explain in great detail everything that is happening and support staff who get it. There would be times I would call, frantic and crazed and the staff would be a calming presence helping to diffuse the situation. As someone who works with the public, I can truly appreciate this skill. Working with the public requires a special skill set; people are approaching you with all kinds of energy that you need to poke through in order to assist them. The staff at CHOP does a marvelous at putting their personal feelings aside and assisting the patients and their families.
The Bee and one of her broken bones
We are regular visitors to CHOP. In the scheme of things, The Bee’s medical issues are not too severe. My daughter suffers from asthma and allergies. Throw in a few broken bones to the mix and we are pretty familiar with the workings of CHOP. These visits are not pleasant. It’s nerve wrecking enough to have to visit the hospital for yourself. Being the adult, responsible for your child means that you have to swallow your fear, pretend that everything is fine and then keep it together long enough to figure out what the clinical staff is telling you. Lucky for us we have such a wonderful medical facility in our area to count on.
Every parent I’ve known, who’s had the need to make use of CHOP’s many services, has made very similar statements about this truly stellar staff, hospital, and care network. From routine check-ups to life-saving procedures, the staff are always kind, competent, and compassionate; the facility bright, clean, and welcoming.
The Bee and her Mom have known great professionalism and state-of-the-art facilities.
One of my best friends growing up was type 1 diabetic. Once I went with her to her appointment at CHOP. I remember her being disappointed that she wasn’t admitted. That says a lot about how they make children feel at CHOP.
Having access to CHOP will be comforting when I become a mom.
A calming and caring staff, plus comfortable facilities make all the difference! CHOP sounds like a great medical facilities for kids and their families.
It’s so scary when you have to take kids to the hospital. Luckily there are places like CHOP that are caring and understanding. Most hospitals are not.
I was a fretted with my first baby too. I’m so glad you have a great place to receive medical care. Caring and trustworthy medical professionals are such a blessing!
I lvoe Children Hospital and how they take such good care of kids. Our local one has done amazing things.
Sounds like there is a wonderful place in Philadelphia to take kids when they are sick. I feel so bad for sick kids, since many times they can’t verbalize what is really wrong.
Children’s Hospital is a wonderful resource for our communities. I am glad your little one is on the roda to recovery too!
It is unfortunate to be in and out of hospitals. However, it’s very fortunate that you have such a caring medicial facility that truly cares about their patients!