I’m thankful for my kids’ pediatrician who embodies body positivity. I still vividly recall the first moment I felt self-conscious about my appearance—it was during a visit to the pediatrician’s office. She spoke to my father about my weight as if I weren’t even there, labeling me as “very chubby.” Her focus on my eating habits and activity level made me feel invisible and embarrassed, leaving me uncertain about why I felt that way. I didn’t truly understand that being “very chubby” was perceived negatively, but her tone made it clear she wasn’t pleased.
After that appointment, I received a food chart labeled “Always, Sometimes, Never.” To my dismay, all of my favorite foods landed in the “Never” category, and shame quickly followed. Until then, I had no idea I wasn’t “perfect.” That moment shifted my perspective, and I never felt that way again.
Looking back, I now realize I was entirely perfect at five years old. I shouldn’t have been subjected to such a conversation about my body. My doctor should have approached the topic with far more sensitivity. My parents, at just 20 years old when I was born, cherished me and wanted to provide the best for me. They trusted my doctor’s opinions, believing that if she said I needed to lose weight for my health, it was true. They wanted only what was best for me.
That appointment marked the beginning of my lifelong battle with dieting. For the next 25 years, I chased an elusive thin body. When I became a parent, I was determined to create a different experience for my children. I wanted them to embrace their bodies and appreciate their reflections.
This led me to seek out a body positive pediatrician. While my children’s doctor may not label herself specifically as body positive, her natural kindness and careful communication about food, size, and weight resonate deeply with me. She understands the importance of fostering positive body images, especially knowing my challenging history with my own pediatrician.
Our doctor creates a supportive environment where I feel at ease about my kids just as they are. One of my sons tends to be heavier than average, while another hasn’t gained weight in a couple of years, and my youngest is just a newborn with some early feeding challenges. She reassures me that growth charts are merely tools to gauge progress, and as long as my kids are growing and hitting milestones, she is not overly concerned with their exact weights or what they’re eating. They are not in competition with anyone; their bodies will develop as they are meant to.
We will address any growth-related concerns if they arise, but she remains realistic about mealtimes too. As a mother of three, she acknowledges that not every meal can be a Pinterest masterpiece. She recently shared that her youngest sneaks sips of soda and nibbles gum when she’s not looking. It’s refreshing to hear a health professional admit that an occasional treat isn’t the end of the world and that we can’t uphold the same standards for every child.
What I cherish most is that my kids receive messages about food and bodies that are morally neutral from their health provider. I trust her completely because she is honest when my children’s health needs attention. We’ve had tough conversations about their well-being, and I know she won’t shy away from difficult topics. But I also trust that she will have discussions about body image in private, ensuring my children never leave her office feeling humiliated or judged.
I drive 45 minutes past numerous other clinics for this level of care. In our home, we emphasize that healthy bodies come in diverse shapes and sizes. We prioritize growth and nutrition without labeling foods as healthy or unhealthy. Instead, we encourage variety in our diets so that our kids receive all the nutrients they need and engage in joyful physical activities.
There are countless ways to have a body, and my children deserve a doctor who recognizes that. I’m grateful to have found such a practitioner. For further insights on related topics, check out our other blog post on home insemination kits at this link. If you’re interested in more comprehensive resources, Make a Mom is an excellent authority on this topic, and Mount Sinai offers valuable information on infertility resources.
In summary, finding a body positive pediatrician is crucial for fostering a healthy relationship with food and body image in children. It’s vital to prioritize a nurturing environment that promotes acceptance and growth.
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