This month, we celebrate moms – and all women! In honor of Mother’s Day, we asked some of our primary care doctors who are also moms what one thing they know or do that will make their children feel better when they’re sick. We weren’t fishing for clinical solutions though – we want the inside scoop on motherhood. Maybe one mom only lets her child have soda when he has an upset tummy. Or another knows that a specific set of pajama bottoms (the ones with a tutu sewn on) makes the medicine go down a little easier.
Throughout the month of May, we will post an answer from one of our “mom docs.” And, we want YOU to get involved as well. Using the hashtag, #JustAskMom, post your tip on social media: What’s the one thing that always makes your little (or not so little) one feel better when he or she is sick?
“My kids are practically teenagers (15 and 12), so we use a lot of FaceTime via the phone to check in during the day if they are home sick from school. They really seem to appreciate the call and actually WANT to share how they are feeling. I know when they stop wanting to talk and start texting me again that they are feeling better.” Natasha Adams-Denny, MD, Union Obstetrics and Gynecology
“When my children (ages 2 and 4) are sick, they really enjoy it when I take a bath with them. I also try to give medicine while they are in the bath so they are distracted and any spilling is easy to wash up.” Rita Chen, MD, Shelby Children's Clinic, affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital
“According to my 7 year old, the thing that makes her feel better is getting to sleep with Mom and Daddy when she is sick. My 14-year-old used to sleep with us when she was sick, too.” Karen Cloninger, MD, Gastonia Children's Clinic, affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital
“When my daughter Alexa, 8, isn’t feeling well, I have her take a warm bath with lavender salts, drink an herbal tea and have some TV time on the couch with her blankie … that and a quick massage before bed and she’s on the mend!” Astrid Jain, MD, Eastover OB/GYN
“I always make my children (Aashna, 10; Nik, 9; and Mali Sahana, 6) a cup of tea with milk – Indian chai – when they are not feeling well. It is their special treat for stuffy noses or tummy aches. I then sit on the couch with them and rub their stomachs or back while they drink their tea with a spoon.” Priya Pillai, MD, Piedmont GYN/OB-Ballantyne
“Extra fluids are always important with any illness, so my kiddos (Bennett, 14; Jack, 12; and twins Kate and Ellie, 10) love when I make milkshake runs to Chick Fil A, and of course parents as the caretakers deserve one as well! With tummy bugs, milkshakes are off limits, so I like to offer Italian ice or popsicles for these illnesses.” Jodie Prosser, MD, Charlotte Pediatric Clinic-Matthews, affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital
“Wrapping up in a warm blanket in Mommy’s bed!” Deborah A. Scott, MD, South Lake Pediatrics – Huntersville, affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital
“Ginger ale always helps! My daughter calls it her ‘special tummy juice’ and drinks it with a swirly straw.” Erica Berger, MD, University Pediatrics-Prosperity Crossing, affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital
“My girls have a stuffed teddy bear (Intelex Microwaveable Cozy Plush™) that can be used as a warm compress. They ask me to warm it up and then they put on their tummy whenever they have an upset stomach. It is cute and therapeutic!” Stephanie Simon, MD, Charlotte Medical Clinic
“When my boys are sick, the thing they want most of all is to cuddle with Mama. As Mama, I’m happy to be of service.” Julie DePalma, MD, Gastonia Children's Clinic, affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital
“When my kids are not feeling well, I have them sleep in the ‘big bed’ with Mommy and Daddy that night. This way, we actually both sleep better! They feel comforted and reassured, and I can immediately respond to their needs during the night. My kids are now 7, 10 and 12, but they still can get some snuggle time with us when they are sick!” Susan Pittman, MD, Harrisburg Family Physicians
“My son (17) feels better if I make him a chocolate milkshake.” Kim Foust, MD, Carolina Internal Medicine – Concord
“When my children (ages 18, 16, 12 and 8) are sick, I get them cozy with cushions and a soft blankets near the TV; I lie next to them and cuddle them, giving them back rubs when needed.” Ingeborg Collins, MD, Shelby Women's Care
“For my daughter, it’s having her snuggle with ‘Sleepy Peter,’ a stuffed rabbit she’s had since she was born. For my son, it’s holding him and singing ‘Rock-a-Bye Baby.’ ” Jeanne Rollins, MD, Eastover-University OB/GYN - Prosperity Crossing (mom of three-year-old twins)
“They get to lie in my bed with a tray and have something to drink.” Rebecca Takahashi, MD, University Pediatrics-Prosperity Crossing, affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital
“When my daughter was younger, we would snuggle in my bed and watch her favorite cartoons. I think she would do that now if she didn’t think she ‘too old’ for it!” Heather Knutson, MD, University Pediatrics-Prosperity Crossing, affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital
“Ginger ale always helps! My daughter calls it her ‘special tummy juice’ and drinks it with a swirly straw.” Erica Berger, MD, University Pediatrics-Prosperity Crossing, affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital
“I have a daughter, Lily who is 9 and son Noah who is 11. When I asked them what made them always feel better, they said cuddling on the couch with a soft blanket, pillow and favorite stuffed animals; soft ice packs on any boo boos; cool cloths on back of their necks and foreheads; Sprite or lemon Gatorade for upset stomach; and having me right there with them; and No. 1 just loving on them!” Shelley Houston MD, Suburban Pediatrics, affiliated with Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital
“I allow my kids unlimited screen time and I am at their beck and call with cold compresses, massages or other comfort measures. My kids are good as new within 24 to 48 hours. Works every time.” Ana-Maria Temple, MD, Charlotte Pediatric Clinic, affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital
“When my kids are feeling sick I massage/scratch their heads and give them one teaspoon of honey with a little lemon juice twice a day.” Anitha M. Leonard, MD, South Charlotte Primary Care
