As a single mom of a newborn baby, I was understandably a ball of emotions following my son's birth. Dr. Chan was my savior. She did what all the pediatricians do, and came by to check on Julian daily in the hospital following my C-section, but when she saw me with tears in my eyes, or feeling scared, she immediately turned from doctor to friend and therapist. She assured me I was doing a great job, that Julian was perfect, and that everything would be okay.
During the first few weeks postpartum, Julian wasn't gaining weight, and so we were in the office often, checking on his progress. Dr. Chan was went above and beyond helping me. After our checkups, she would ask me, "but how are YOU," which would cause me to break down every time in tears. I wasn't okay. But she took the time out, to really look me in my eyes and tell me I was the best mom for Julian and I was doing a great job. I looked forward to our chats when I would bring my son in for shots or checkups, as she was one of my only support system members and one of my biggest cheerleaders. I actually cried (and so did Julian) when we had to move!
My cousin was debating on whether to be a pediatrician or an ER doctor. I told her about my relationship with Dr. Chan, how she was there for me when I really needed someone to tell me, "You're doing great and you're a good mom." I told her how she made a real difference in my life the first few months post-partum, and that she (my cousin) should know that perhaps being a pediatrician isn't all baby giggles and shots, but helping women discover the confidence to be good mom.
Dr. Chan told me stories about her own journey as a new mom, and made me feel like more than a patient's parent. She made me feel like a friend. Julian and I truly miss her. She is an amazing pediatrician and I'm not sure you will find a better doctor, with a better bedside manner for you or your child, in the South Bay. read more