Choosing a Pediatrician
One of the most important decisions that parents make while they are expecting is choosing a pediatrician. This pediatrician will become your primary resource for advice on how to keep your child healthy and will provide the care required when your child is ill.
When should you choose your child's pediatrician?
It is important to start thinking about this decision by your fifth month of pregnancy so that you can make your decision by your seventh month. It is important to know who your pediatrician will be when you go into labor.
Where can you find reliable recommendations for pediatricians?
You should start by getting a list of pediatricians who participate with your insurance plan and have offices close to your home. Next, find which of these doctors will see newborns at the hospital where you plan to deliver. Your obstetrician can be helpful in letting you know which doctors are affiliated with your hospital. Also, local friends and family can be helpful in referring you to the pediatricians that their children see.
What should you find out about your potential pediatricians?
The answers to the following questions will help you determine which of the recommended pediatricians is right for your family:
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Is the physician a board-certified pediatrician? This is important because it means he or she is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care through a rigorous, commitment to lifelong learning.
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With what hospital(s) is the pediatrician affiliated?
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Are there other doctors in the group that cover your doctor when he/she is not available?
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Who can you call with questions about your child's care during the day? What is the protocol for after-hours care?
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Do the pediatrician's hours suit your schedule?
How do you make your final choice of pediatrician?
Most pediatricians welcome prenatal consultations and some are complimentary. Thus, it is advisable to schedule a time to meet with your child's pediatrician prior to delivery. This allows you to see the office for yourself, meet the staff and decide in person if you have selected the right pediatrician for your child. During this meeting, you should ask the physician about her views on breastfeeding, immunizations, circumcision, childcare and any other topics that are important to you. Both the answers to these questions, and the way in which the doctor answers these questions, will give you a good feel for the doctor's communication style and help you determine if this pediatrician is the right fit for your family. You always need to feel confident that your child's doctor is always working towards insuring your child's well-being.