If there’s one thing we swear by, it’s the New Mom’s Group at Willow’s Pediatrics. Maybe because that’s how we met, but it was also the one thing that got us out of the house each week while we were on maternity leave. We got to meet new and experienced moms that were going through similar situations with their new little one. Each week a different doctor would come to join in on the conversations, which made it more of a great community at Willows. As for the month of June and changing it up to Meet a Dad, we thought it was very fitting to interview our pediatrician, Dr. Jeffrey Owens. A huge asset at Willows and also a Dad right here in Fairfield!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in the area?
Grew up outside of Philly, moved to Fairfield in ’99
Children / Age(s)
Katie, 20, Jack, 18 (I know, I feel old!)
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Play drums in a rock band, play out in local bars about once/month … also, race triathlons
One thing you wish someone would have told you about fatherhood?
How quickly it goes by.
Favorite local things to do in Fairfield?
Boat, paddle and swim in the Sound … run the trails at Lake Mohegan … eat outdoors at Molto, Barcelona … walk the dog to Flipside for a doggie burger … take in a concert at FTC … play a round of golf at Smith … check out an exhibit at Fairfield Museum and History Center
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
Such a family-centered town, great schools, great parent community, lots of kid-centered activities – sports, scouts, music, the YMCA, the Town of Fairfield rec camps, parades, fireworks. Proximity to beach and woods. Ideal town for families.
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant? Date night?
Great memories of playing hangman with the crayons at Centro. Date night = Molto.
What is your go-to activity for your family? For yourself?
Get outside and play!
Best dad hack that makes your life easier?
Hacks: 1 – having an awesome wife who somehow manages to run the house while working and attending to other commitments. 2 – The diaper genie.
Name one thing you regret when learning the ropes of parenthood and what you learned from it?
I have few regrets regarding parenting … every time I miss a kid function for work or my own selfish activities I regret it, so I do that as little as possible.
Who has most influenced you to be the dad that you are today?
My dad is my biggest fathering influence. Firm but fair, always supportive. Worked hard to support the family. Always had my mom’s back.
Tell us about your background, when & why you became a Pediatric Doctor, and the reason behind it?
What is your favorite thing about working with children (newborn to teenagers)?
My mom tells me that I always wanted to be a pediatrician, as early as kindergarten. I “tried on” other specialties in medical school, but none fulfilled me like caring for children. I love following children as they grow, preventing illness and injury, and treating when necessary. Each day is varied, as a breast-feeding issue might be followed by ADHD in a teen which might be followed by a sprained ankle in an 8 year old. It is super-rewarding living in the community in which I work, not just for the short commute, but I get to see patients at their awards programs, on the field, or just in the grocery store.
We (Jessica and Amber) met at the new moms group at Willows in 2017 and both have you as our
children’s pediatrician.
What do you think the benefit is for new parents going to these classes (besides
meeting new mom and dads)?
Cathy’s group is the stuff of legend. As you remember, having your first (or second or third) child can be tiring, scary, and isolating. To be able to sit in a room and talk to other moms in the same situation, trade secrets and hacks, cry on each other’s shoulders, get a little show-and-tell from Cathy or one of the docs, and then all go as a group for iced tea … this can make the difference between post-partum blues and loving maternity.
When parents are looking for a new pediatrician, what should they be looking for?
A new pediatrician should be board-certified, should practice evidence-based medicine and should be personable. His or her office should be clean, well-lit and organized. It should be someone with whom you feel you can work as you raise your children over the years. Bonus points for friendly staff and a well-run billing department.
What advice would you share with a new mom/dad or other moms/dads?
Becoming a parent is the best choice you will ever make. Every day with your kids is a gift. It is also hard work, sacrifice, at times thankless and downright difficult. Having a life outside of parenting – date nights with your spouse, hobbies outside of the family – is vitally important as well. Achieving this work-parenting-social life balance is the ongoing challenge of life in Fairfield. But what a great and rewarding challenge it is!
