The Best Medical Websites for Parents

When you are a parent, you have a lot to worry about when it comes to your kids. And when they get sick, you do your best to comfort and care for them. Sometimes you need more information than just what the doctor tells you. Many parents are turning to the Internet for more advice, information, and the support of other parents going through the same thing. Before you start surfing, here are some of the best sites for getting the medical information you need.

drgreene.com - A practicing pediatrician and father of four, Dr. Alan Greene's website is a fantastic resource for parents of children of all ages. An author of numerous books, Dr. Greene is also the pediatric expert for Yahoo, and is the attending physician at Stanford's Lucille Packard Children's Hospital.

The great thing about this website is how he devotes different sections for different ages of children's development, from infant to teens. You can post a question for the doctor, and chat with him online different times of the month. Dr. Greene is also an advocate of an organic lifestyle for children and families, so he has a wealth of information on his site for those looking to live a greener life.

askdrsears.com- Known as the creator of the attachment parenting philosophy, Dr. William Sears and his wife Martha are known worldwide for their hands on parenting style and expertise. Parents of eight children, two of which are also pediatricians, and co-authors of more than thirty books, the Sears website is a great resource for families.

From breastfeeding help to childhood illnesses, askdrsears.com contains answers to many of first-time parents most common questions. For breastfeeding moms, I find this site to be very helpful, as Martha Sears is a certified lactation consultant and member of Le Leche League.

You can post a question for the doctors, or shop for their books and products, including their custom baby slings. You also have the option of virtual visit, a subscription service for parents of infants and toddlers.

aap.org- This is the official site of the American Academy of Pediatrics, an organization of pediatricians dedicated to health and wellness of children. This site contains the most current information in pediatric medical advances, information on child safety, disease and illness, and immunization information. Parents can also find a local AAP member physician through their directory service, which also includes listings for pediatric specialists.

The site has links to various pediatric journals you can subscribe to, and an online bookstore with great publications to purchase. You can also find information on what to look for in a pediatrician, and links to various sites to verify physicians' board certification.

babycenter.com- Whether pregnant or parents of a toddler or two, babycenter.com is a great resource of both medical information and parenting communities. The site offers great articles from pregnancy to the teenage years. It also offers an email subscription to their pregnancy calendar, and then, their infant to toddler ages and stages, where you receive weekly and monthly emails of the development of your child. You can also subscribe to their free magazine, part of your free membership.

Another great resource of this site is the online community. From first-time parents to seasoned veterans, you can find a forum for all subjects, from birthing methods to parents of multiples. You are sure to find other moms and dads who have had similar experiences, and everyone enjoys this camaraderie. babycenter.com received the 2006 People's Choice Award for the best family and parenting site from the Webby Awards.

While the web has some great sites for parents, it is not a substitute for a pediatrician's care. Always consult your child's physician regarding medical treatment of your child.
Being a parent is a tough job, and never more difficult than when your child is ill. A great relationship with your child's doctor is the first step, but keeping yourself informed is always a good idea, and these websites are a great place to start.