The Jackson Family: A close provider relationship

When Adam and Sara Jackson were pregnant with their son Leo, they asked their friends to recommend a local pediatrician. “Our friends’ four children see Dr. Oltman, and they highly recommended him,” recalled Sara.

Two and a half years later, the parents of Leo and Zoe (8 months) value the close relationship they’ve developed with their children’s provider.

“He’s just really down to earth,” said Sara. “It’s like talking to a friend, which makes me feel like I can ask him what may seem like a simple question. Anytime my son has a sniffle I freak out. I’m that mom that always calls the doctor’s office, and he always answers my questions. He’s always there to reassure me that my children are okay. I’ve learned that kids are really resilient.”

“It’s nice having a second child because we’ve gone through this before,” said Sara. “We’re not Googling everything. It feels like we have it down, and it’s a little easier the second time around. It’s like we’re not clueless anymore.”

Sara and Adam say they appreciate how approachable Dr. Oltman is, and feel comfortable knowing they can ask him anything.

Like each of the providers at Pediatrics Northwest, Dr. Oltman has his own personal style of patient care.

“I’m laid back but certainly not apathetic,” he said. “I feel it’s more important to clinically read the child – if they look great, the majority of the time they are. My goal is to help direct the parents and give them a guide of what to do.”

“It’s important for parents and families to match their personality to the personality of their provider,” he added. “The great thing about Pediatrics Northwest is that we have so many different types of providers – male, female, younger, older, more laid back, more strict – and all individuals really care. We do it because we all believe in putting the needs of our patients first.”

“The great thing about Pediatrics Northwest is that we have so many different types of providers – male, female, younger, older, more laid back, more strict – and all individuals really care. We do it because we all believe in putting the needs of our patients first.”
– Dr. Mason Oltman

“Parenting a newborn is a puzzle,” said Adam. “You have to figure out if she is hungry, needs a diaper change or wants to be in a different position. It keeps you on your toes.”

Dr. Oltman enjoys developing long-term relationships with his patients, as he has with the Jacksons.

“It helps when I am seeing a second child because the family already knows we will act if needed,” he said. “With each child a family gets more comfortable.”

“Sara and Adam ask great questions and are really receptive to my input,” he added. “They take my advice and try it out, and give me feedback. It’s wonderful that they follow through at home.”

“Leo loves to be outside,” said Sara. “He’s really into trucks and cars. Zoe is a diva already, and likes to be held all the time. The difference between the kids is really funny.”

Adam and Sara were grateful to have a provider they could turn to when their 8-week-old daughter, Zoe, started losing weight within days of being born.

“When Zoe was born, she was 7 lbs.,” recalled Adam, “but when we left the hospital she was 6 lbs. 4 oz. We were worried about her losing weight. In the hospital there are so many doctors and nurses – all with different advice. When we spoke to Dr. Oltman, he really comforted us and reassured us that it wasn’t a drastic amount of weight, and to wait until her newborn checkup to assess whether anything needed to be done.”

Dr. Oltman says newborn weight loss is a normal process (up to 10 percent weight loss), and parents shouldn’t worry as long as it’s within those normal bounds.

“Like Zoe, so many babies lose weight right after birth,” said Dr. Oltman. “It’s one of the most common concerns. As parents, the ultimate goal is to feed and grow your child, and if that isn’t happening right away parents are rightfully concerned. This is something we see every day, so I am not alarmed as long as the child is healthy. I try to relieve parents’ stress by reassuring them that it’s a normal process.”

“We’re a pretty active family and like to go out to the park and check out local events and festivals,” said Sara. “We go early to events and by the time we’ve seen everything, it’s nap time for the kids.”

Today Zoe is a happy, healthy baby who loves to be held by her parents and big brother Leo.

The Jacksons are still adjusting to life with two kids, and say it certainly keeps things interesting.

“It’s definitely fun yet challenging with two kids now,” said Sara. “We have to start getting ready two hours in advance to be on time anywhere. I knew growing up I really wanted kids, but I never imagined I’d feel this way about another human being. They’re so fun and make me laugh every single day.”