Dr. Jennifer Wilson grew up in Lexington and graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. She then attended the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and graduated in 2001. From 2001 to 2002 Dr. Wilson participated in a pediatric residency internship program with Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. She then completed a pediatric residency program with the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. From there, Dr. Wilson has been Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia in general pediatrics and adolescent medicine primarily serving as an academic hospitalist. Dr. Wilson is Board Certified in Pediatrics and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Wilson and her husband are now happy to be back in their hometown to raise their two sons.
What are your hobbies?
Tennis, UK games, going to my kids' games, and volunteering
Advice for expecting parents:
Take in all the advice you receive, but remember that every baby is different. You have to do what works for you and your baby. Life is not as cut and dry as many of the baby books make it out to be. Go with your instinct.
Advice for new parents:
I usually suggest the Baby Whisperer books for new and expecting parents. I also advise new and expecting parents that breastfeeding is not easy, but if you can make it through the first couple of weeks, you can do it. I often suggest the book 1,2,3 Magic as well as watching old episodes of the Supernanny for learning to deal with difficult toddlers.
Advice for parents of teenager:
- Remember to be the parent, not the best friend.
- Try to be open- minded and a good listener.
- Try to compromise.
- Look for areas where you can safely and confidently give your teen independence. This may help them not look for it in areas you want them to avoid.
Most important thing you’ve learned by being a parent yourself:
- Take life in strides, you can never anticipate the unexpected.
- Always work to be your child’s strongest advocate.