I am truly thankful for my children’s pediatrician, who embodies a body positive philosophy.
I vividly recall one of the first moments I felt self-conscious about my appearance—it was during a visit to my pediatrician. She spoke to my father about my weight as if I weren’t even there, labeling me as “very chubby.” I sat there, feeling both invisible and humiliated, unsure of why her words affected me so deeply. At that young age, I didn’t understand that being “very chubby” wasn’t inherently negative, but her tone suggested otherwise.
After that appointment, she handed my dad a food chart labeled “Always, Sometimes, Never.” Everything I enjoyed was placed in the “Never” column, leaving me feeling ashamed. Until that moment, I had no clue that I wasn’t deemed perfect. From then on, I struggled with that feeling.
Looking back now, I realize I was absolutely perfect as a five-year-old. I shouldn’t have been exposed to such a conversation about my body. My pediatrician should have exhibited far greater sensitivity.
My parents were just 20 when I was born, and they loved me unconditionally. They aimed to provide me with everything I needed, trusting my doctor’s advice. If she suggested I needed to lose weight for health reasons, they had no reason to question her judgment. They simply wanted what was best for me.
Following that appointment, I embarked on my very first diet.
For the next 25 years, I spiraled into a cycle of countless diets, perpetually chasing an elusive ideal of thinness. When I became a parent, I was determined to create a different experience for my children. I wanted them to embrace their bodies and cultivate a positive self-image.
This led me to seek out a body positive pediatrician. While I don’t think she would label herself as such, her approach is naturally compassionate and caring. She is deliberate in discussing food, size, and weight. This is one of the reasons I value her so highly.
She is aware of my past struggles with body image and understands the importance of fostering positive, affirming messages for my kids.
She creates a supportive environment where I feel completely at ease with my children, regardless of their body types. One of my sons tends to be heavier than average, another hasn’t gained weight in years, and my youngest is a newborn who faced some early feeding challenges.
Our doctor reassures me that growth charts and percentiles are helpful tools, but as long as my kids are growing, reaching milestones, and staying healthy, she isn’t overly concerned about their exact weights or dietary habits. There’s no competition; their bodies will develop as they should.
Naturally, we will address any growth-related issues that may arise, but she isn’t anxious about perfectly healthy children.
Her realistic perspective extends to mealtimes as well. Being a mother of three herself, she is well aware that Pinterest-perfect meals aren’t always feasible. She even shared a humorous anecdote about her youngest sneaking sips of soda—something she wouldn’t have tolerated with her first two kids. Like the rest of us, she strives to provide nutritious meals while accepting that chicken nuggets and treats will also make an appearance.
I appreciate seeing a health professional acknowledge that an occasional treat isn’t catastrophic. I love that she understands the complexities of parenting multiple children, and I cherish that my kids receive neutral messages about food and body image from their healthcare provider.
The trust I have in her stems from her honesty; if one of my children were to deviate from a healthy range, she wouldn’t hesitate to discuss it with me. We’ve navigated tough conversations about health before, and she’s not afraid to share difficult truths.
However, I also trust that she will handle discussions regarding body image and weight with discretion. My children are safe in her office; they will never leave with a demeaning food chart or hear her label them as too big, too small, or anything negative. She speaks about their bodies with respect and positivity.
I make the 45-minute drive past numerous other doctors just to see her.
I teach my kids that healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. In our home, we emphasize growth and development rather than labeling foods as healthy or unhealthy. Instead, we focus on the importance of a varied diet for obtaining essential nutrients and encourage them to engage in joyful, active play.
There are countless ways to embody health, and my children deserve a doctor who recognizes that. I’m incredibly grateful to have found one.
For more insights on parenting and health, you can check out this article on our other blog.
If you want to learn more about school readiness, this resource is fantastic. Additionally, for pregnancy-related information, March of Dimes provides excellent resources.
Summary:
Choosing a pediatrician who promotes a body positive approach is crucial for fostering healthy self-image and development in children. The right doctor will provide a nurturing environment, emphasizing growth and health without negative labels or shame. Parents should seek a healthcare provider who respects their child’s individuality and encourages positive relationships with food and body image.