Question & Answer with Dr Naomi Chellew
Dr Naomi Chellew is a Consultant Paediatrician at Leading Steps Paediatrics.
Each month we answer questions about our paediatricians.
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Dr Naomi Chellew
Q: What drew you to medicine and then to paediatrics.
I visited Africa with my parents when I was 12 years of age, where I saw children living with poverty and chronic illnesses. From that time onwards, I made it my goal to become a paediatrican and to help babies and children have the very best start in life. I left school with the one goal to become a paediatrician. I love the holistic approach that is required in paediatrics, I endeavour to take the time to listen to gain the whole picture of my patient’s health.
Q: What is your favourite thing about being a Paediatrician
I love the diversity of general paediatrics and the resilience of children. I enjoy being able to support families at the crucial moments of their children’s development.
Q: What children’s book/author would you recommend parents to read to their children
The ‘Invisible String’ by Patrice Karst. This heart-warming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between loved ones. A mother tells her two children that they’re connected by an invisible string. ‘An Invisible string made of love, even though you can’t see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love.’ This is my favourite book to read to my two children. Often as I leave the house in the morning or the evening to go back to the hospital, I hold one end of the invisible string and my children hold their end of the invisible string. My children know wherever I am we are still connected.
Q. What toy or object do you use/recommend to distract or entertain babies/young kids when you want them to sit still?
I loved ‘Sophie the giraffe’ when my children were less than 12 months of age. As they grew older I had a combination of sensory and wooden toys.
Q: What advice you would give a new mum/parent?
Enjoy being a new parent. The first 6 weeks are challenging, it is important to make time to go out daily for a walk or talk with family or friends.
Getting your baby into a routine of feed, play, sleep is a game changer.
Everyone has different opinions and advice. Take snippets from them all, and work out what works best for you and your family.
Q. As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
My parents tell me since I was a young girl all I ever wanted was to become a doctor.
Q: Why did you choose the Gold Coast to live, work and raise your family?
I moved up from southern NSW to the Gold Coast to study medicine. The diverse lifestyle and spectacular weather made the Gold Coast the perfect environment to continue to work and start on our family. I love having the beach and the hinterland in close proximity.
Q: If you didn’t become a doctor what would you be?
That’s a difficult one. In addition to medicine and children, I have always loved travelling. I perhaps would have chosen a career that involved travelling the world and working with children in areas of need. (Although this would be challenging with a young family.)
Q: What tips have helped you keep fit with a busy job and a young family?
Exercising with friends including beach walking, body pump and spin classes have always been a priority for me. I always say to my husband ‘exercise releases my happy endorphins.’
I aim to get up early several mornings a week to allow exercise to be part of my weekly routine. On the weekend we are active with our kids, going for walks along the beach or the hinterland, or riding our bikes.
Q: Last book you read?
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth. This is a great captivating read, fun, twisted and intriguing. Sally Hepworth did a wonderful, and sensitive portrayal of an adult who is on the spectrum and explores sibling relationships.
Q: Favourite family outing/activity?
Bike riding together followed by a coffee and a picnic. Wherever we go on holidays our bikes come with us. My family installed in me a love of outdoor adventures particularly bike riding.
Q: Do you prefer the rainforest hinterland or the beach?
That is a difficult one. My family and I love exploring nature in the rainforest hinterland and finding waterholes. Although I always end up piggybacking my youngest up the hill, because we all know that little ones only love a bush walk on the way down. I love beach time with my family, swimming, collecting shells and getting covered in sand by my children.
Q: What has been the most significant change/breakthrough in paediatrics in the last few decades?
Two significant changes for me. Firstly the use of high flow oxygen to assist infants and children with difficulties breathing, reducing the rate of intubation and ventilation (life support.)
Secondly NDIS and the ability to provide essential early intervention to children with a developmental delay whilst allowing time to assess for an underlying diagnosis.
Q: If you could change anything in Australia for today’s children, what would it be?
Less screen time and more outdoor adventures.