Choosing the Right Pediatrician
Hello fellow mamas! If you’re expecting a child, you’ve probably already put some thought into what pediatrician you want to take your baby to see. Fairhope, AL pediatricians play a significant role in a baby’s first year, with an average of seven well-checks from birth to twelve months. But why is a photographer writing about pediatricians? I’m not writing this because of my photography business; I’m writing this to share a deeply personal story about why we love Dr. Orr, a Fairhope pediatrician who has been with my family through an incredible journey.
The Start of Our Journey
When my middle child, Blakelee, was around a year old, she began walking—but not in the way you’d expect. Instead of the typical toddling, Blakelee waddled like a penguin. Since she wasn’t my first child, I knew this could be normal, but my mother’s intuition told me something wasn’t quite right. I casually mentioned it to Dr. Orr, who agreed that it was likely just a part of learning to walk. We decided to give her more time to figure it out.
Weeks went by, and Blakelee’s waddle didn’t improve. Worse yet, she began crying as if she were in pain, holding onto her knees and saying, “ouch.” Concerned, I brought it up again to Dr. Orr, who, at that time, brushed my concerns under the rug. Trusting her expertise, I tried not to worry, but a mother’s heart knows when something is wrong.
An Unexpected Visit from a Family Member
A couple of weeks later, Blakelee’s great-uncle, who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, stopped by for a visit. He immediately noticed something off about Blakelee’s walk and recommended that we get x-rays, blood work, and probably physical therapy. His concerns reignited my own, and I left a message with Dr. Orr’s office the following Monday.
By the time they called back, Blakelee was refusing to walk altogether. I described her symptoms in detail, sharing what her uncle had observed. Dr. Orr immediately referred us to a pediatric orthopedic doctor. The waitlist was dauntingly long, but through a fortunate connection, we secured an appointment within the same week.
Seeking Answers with Orthopedic Specialists
At the orthopedic appointment, the doctor suspected hip dysplasia and sent us for x-rays, but the results came back normal. However, he saw the stress in my eyes and acknowledged that a mother knows when something is wrong. He scheduled a follow-up for six months later, asking me to document everything—videos, photos, and a diary of Blakelee’s daily activities.
But barely a month later, Blakelee’s condition worsened. She began army crawling to move around, struggled to climb stairs, and couldn’t stand from a squat. Desperate for answers, I left another message with Dr. Orr, this time demanding a referral to Birmingham to see a specialist.
The Road to Birmingham
We were referred to a rheumatologist at UAB, and though the wait was long, I prayed for patience, strength, and clarity. Just as my hope began to wane, I received a call that there was an urgent opening in two days. It felt like divine intervention.
At the appointment, the rheumatologist initially thought Blakelee looked perfectly healthy, but I insisted he review the videos I had brought. His demeanor shifted immediately after watching them. He ordered more tests, including an MRI, and mentioned possible conditions like scurvy, rickets, or skeletal dysplasia.
The Diagnosis We Never Expected
After more tests, the results were inconclusive except for the possibility of skeletal dysplasia—a term that sent me into a panic. When I called Dr. Orr’s office in tears, she immediately scheduled an appointment to discuss everything.
At the appointment, Dr. Orr gently but firmly advised me not to Google the condition, as outdated information could be terrifying. Instead, she suggested looking up stories on social media, where I would find modern, comforting stories of children with similar conditions.
Finding Comfort and Support
As it turned out, Blakelee’s diagnosis was much simpler—dwarfism. Dr. Orr held my hand through every step of this journey, offering not just medical advice but emotional support. She saw me as more than just a parent; she saw me as a person deserving of answers. She praised me for my perseverance and reminded me never to let anyone brush off my concerns about my children’s health.
Dr. Orr’s unwavering support and expertise are why we trust her completely. She grew up in Fairhope and knows the community like the back of her hand, making her one of the best Fairhope pediatricians you could ever ask for. If you’re searching for a pediatrician who will listen, care, and go above and beyond, I highly recommend Dr. Orr. You can learn more about her here.
Fairhope Pediatricians: Why Dr. Orr Stands Out
Choosing the right pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. We’re grateful every day for Dr. Orr, a Fairhope pediatrician who not only provided medical care but also became a source of strength and comfort during one of the most challenging times in our lives.
If you’re looking for a pediatrician in Fairhope, consider Dr. Orr. Her commitment to her patients and their families is unparalleled. The support she offers goes beyond the clinic, making her an invaluable part of our community and our lives.
Useful Links:
- Read more – Professionals for Moms
