Mothers often possess an accurate intuition about their child's health, yet frequently face skepticism and doubt from various sources, including medical professionals and societal biases, according to a pediatric surgeon's account.
Emily Boss, MD, MPH, a pediatric ear, nose, and throat surgeon at Johns Hopkins, described recurring scenarios where mothers' instincts about their child's condition were initially dismissed but later proven correct. In one instance, a mother questioned the necessity of her son Alex's tonsil and adenoid surgery, having been told by others that such procedures are no longer common. Despite the surgeon's reassurance that the surgery was needed due to a significantly obstructed airway, the mother expressed relief not just for the successful operation but for trusting her own judgment.
In another case, a mother sought multiple opinions for her child's ear infections, which were affecting hearing. Despite receiving consistent diagnoses from four different doctors, she continued to seek answers, citing a pervasive mistrust in the healthcare system that can be amplified by external opinions. Boss noted that this self-doubt can be exacerbated by societal perceptions of mothers.
Boss's research lab has collected data from over 500 pediatric visits, including audio recordings and parent interviews, to understand communication dynamics between parents, patients, and clinicians. A consistent finding is that mothers are present in approximately 90% of these visits. While many mothers feel included and informed, others report feeling intimidated by medical expertise, perceiving their questions as inadequate, or feeling unheard.
This phenomenon may be partly explained by the Stereotype Content Model, a social framework suggesting women, and particularly mothers, are often perceived as warm but less competent than men. This implicit bias can unintentionally influence how clinicians communicate with mothers, potentially leading to them being perceived as less capable of understanding medical information or making sound decisions.
The healthcare system itself, despite its advancements, can also contribute to uncertainty. Boss recounted Alex's case, where his mother's initial concerns about his snoring were initially downplayed by a pediatrician. It took a year and multiple consultations before he received the necessary surgery for his airway obstruction. Boss stated that if Alex had been seen by her sooner, the course of care would likely have been different, underscoring the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis.
Boss emphasized that trusting one's parental instincts does not equate to practicing medicine independently. She stressed the importance of evidence-based practices, such as vaccinations, and cautioned against unproven remedies. However, she also highlighted that clinicians should actively listen to and reassure parents, involve them in decision-making, explain conditions clearly, and acknowledge the child's emotional needs. These elements contribute to positive healthcare experiences for families.
Ultimately, Boss encourages mothers to trust their intuition when they feel something is wrong with their child, asserting that they deserve to be heard and validated within the healthcare system. The author is a pediatric ear, nose, and throat surgeon, public health researcher, and mother.