How do doctors balance antibiotic stewardship with treating kid's ear infection?

[Sofia.M]

My child has had a persistent ear infection, and our pediatrician is being very cautious about prescribing antibiotics. They mentioned antibiotic stewardship as the reason for waiting. I understand the concept in theory, but as a parent watching your kid in pain, it's really hard. How do doctors balance that principle with the immediate need to treat an infection?