Finding Medical Care for Your Twins in A Rural Area

Last updated on November 10th, 2023 at 09:12 am

Picking the right doctor for your children can be stressful, especially when you live in such a rural area that the hospital is referred to as the “lambing shed”. I had heard horror stories of other moms who delivered there and needed a life flight/air lifted to a larger hospital, but the newborn stayed in the small-town hospital or vise-versa. Terrified of this possibility I found a doctor an hour away to handle my pregnancy and was so happy I did, especially when we learned we were expecting two! When my girls arrived and we began our many visits to the doctors, for concerns both large and small, I learned how to get the best of both worlds when living in a remote town without pediatricians. Here are my tips for finding medical care for your twins in a rural area.

Get a Pediatrician in the BIG City

When I was doing my initial research, I had many friends tell me how much they loved their pediatrician in the city despite the hour drive (longer in the snow). My stubborn pre-twin self said, “Nah, the drive can’t be worth it.” I was wrong and knew it on my first visit to that pediatrician’s office when my girls were three days old.

My twins and I were discharged from the hospital after the typical two days. They were born at term and avoided the NICU. The hospital doctors were adamant that the girls needed a follow-up a day and a half later, which was Sunday. Did I mention that I don’t just live in any rural town, I live in a rural town in Utah? Which means almost everything is closed Sunday.

So, I went to the recommended pediatrician in the city, from the practice that had checked on my girls in during their hospital stay. I was immediately comfortable with the pediatrician I saw. He assured me that he was happy to see my twins, if it made sense for me to drive the hour to the office. I originally thought we would use this doctor for just the first few months of my girl’s life, and then once they were older switch to a family practice doctor closer to home. I just can’t bring myself to make the switch more than 1.5 years later. Between extended hours and the over the phone consultations from medical staff, who know my twins, I can’t beat the full service of this practice in the city.

Get Established at a Local Family Practice

I have also made a point to make sure my girls can visit a doctor that is closer to home. I feel that this is necessary for the days when it’s not wise to brave the winter roads to drive an hour to the doctor when it may be just a cold. Luckily, we haven’t needed this option much, but I love having a back-up plan. It’s also nice when I go in for these doctor’s visits to feel like the doctor knows the whole family background.

Learn to Use the ER as an After Hours Clinic

When I was younger growing up in a suburban area I viewed the ER as a place you went in an ambulance if you were bleeding to death or something else tragic. In a small-town this is where you go to get a second opinion about your infant’s RSV when the doctor’s office is closed and you are worried.

The ER has its pros and cons. Sometimes I went into the ER with one of the girls and the only sense of relief I got was from the old doctor ignoring us for an hour or so, which interpreted to mean my daughter is okay. Other times I had a great doctor talk to me as a fellow parent and give the greatest advice possible. Sometimes, they put you on a helicopter while assuring you “it’s just in case things get worse” and remind you to stay calm as if they are your best friend. Honestly, having an infant life-flighted into the city was one of my greatest fears, but I received great support from the ER staff in our small-town hospital to make sure we had help with the healthier twin and timely medical attention for the sick twin.

Use Technology to Your Benefit

Two years ago, I never would have believed that I would have a picture folder in my phone titled “Zoey’s diapers”. But mom-brain is REAL! Take pictures so you can look back and compare how rashes, diapers, and other medical concerns have changed over time. Many doctors’ offices use your photos to help give advice. Call, text, or use a patient portal any time you are debating whether to take in your twins.

There are lots of websites out there with medical symptoms and tips available to parents, but know yourself and know when to stop reading! If you read WebMD and assume your stomachache is a burst appendix on a regular basis, don’t attempt to read medical pages that will make you assume the worst about your twins’ condition.

Trust Your Instincts

This may be the last tip, but it is the most important. As twin parents, we have twice as many trips to the doctor, twice the stress, and twice the medical bills. We may also have twice the observations, friends and family that want to help, and a built-in encouragement system for our children (twins are there for each other before they understand the word empathize). When you are worried about your twins’ health consult with a medical professional. When you can manage symptoms, continue to observe from the safety of your home. Early on you will likely see your doctor frequently with twins, but as they grow stronger and stronger, you will grow wiser and wiser, and your trips to the doctor will be further and further apart.

All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

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Related Articles

• Finding a Pediatrician For Twins
• Making Doctor Visits A Positive Experience for Your Kids

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