Picking a Pediatrician

Many women don't know that they should actually pick a pediatrician during pregnancy! Doing so early on by setting up consultations with different pediatricians for a prenatal visit. In doing so, it gives them the opportunity to pick the doctor that aligns perfect for their beliefs and also their child's needs. They get opportunity to interview them and feel good about the person who will taking care of the most important people in their lives for their whole life!

What to Look For

The interview process really only requires about 15-30 minutes, so you want to make sure that you take EVERYTHING in! When you first arrive, look around. See how well kept the waiting room is. Are they equipped with toys and books to keep kids entertained while waiting? Are there separate rooms for healthy and sick kids? How clean does everything look? How professional does the building and front desk people seem? Also, if there are parents waiting with you, ask for their opinion. Us parents have to stay together, and usually you can learn a lot about a place by asking others.

Questions to Ask:

- What is your medical education? If you don't feel comfortable asking this, you can usually find this information by doing a little research on the doctor about page through the internet.

- Why did you choose to specialize in pediatrics? This one can reveal a lot about the doctor's personality. You don't want to get stuck with someone who you don't feel comfortable asking silly questions to, may intimidate you, or as though you feel doesn't feel like they actually belong in the profession.

- How long have you been in practice?

- Will you be visiting my child in the hospital before heading home?

- Where do you stand on _____? This is where you are going to get more into how your doctor views your own values. So choose things that you find important: co-sleeping, breastfeeding, child care during infancy, solid food eating, bonding directly after birth, pacifiers, thumb-sucking, and immunizations. Also ask for any pamphlets they may have regarding these issues.

- Do you have any children? Sometimes it can provide a piece of mind knowing that the person taking care of your child has direct experience.

- Is this a group or solo practice? If you go to a solo practice, you may want to ask who will cover for them if they should be out. And if you choose a group practice, you may want to ask about the other doctors' backgrounds. Because they may eventually also end up seeing your little one. Also ask who else is available in the office. Some have nurse practitioners that are also fully educated to see your child.

- What are the office hours? Which days are you in office? And do you have any call-in hours for after closing? These are going to be very important for when your little one gets sick. You'll want all of the information available for whatever hour your baby needs some healthy help. Sometimes there also may be a call-in after hour line set up to take care of the common, non-emergent questions.

- How long does a wellness check-up usually last? It'll be prepare you and your little one for the times that you'll want to make appointments to align with nap schedules and for what to expect when you do go to those appointments. Ideally, you'll want an answer of about 20 minutes.

- What is your policy on medications? This is an important one if you feel that medications aren't always the first choice. You'll want them to be specific on if they try to do noninvasive aids before providing full on medications.

- How are emergencies handled? They will usually have a hospital affiliation and certain procedures in which they follow when there are emergencies. This is where they will give you all of the information on who to call after hours and what to do in case of certain emergencies.

- How are office visits, lab tests, and immunizations charged? Very important question - because all of these things can get damn expensive when added up wrong. Most offices have certain insurances in which they take so you'll want to know primarily if they take yours. Ask if you'll be charged for any telephone consultations or cancellations. And if they have any payment plans offered, or do all the bills have to be paid at once.

How to Choose

Everything in parenting is all about instincts, and it's the same when picking out a pediatrician. Just know that in choosing one, you should feel completely trusting and comfortable in not only the act of communication, but in being open in it. You'll want to feel like they can connect to what your saying, believing, and valuing. And never want to feel like they're too busy to handle your questions - let alone taking care of your child. Find someone who you respect, meets your child's needs, and is available for the long-term.