Things to Consider When Choosing a Pediatrician
Key Takeaways
Your child's pediatrician is your partner in promoting your child's health and development. That means you should feel comfortable with your choice. Interviewing several pediatricians at their offices is the best way to pick your partner.
When to Start Looking
With all of the excitement and physical changes during pregnancy, it's easy to overlook the fact that you're about to become a parent! The last trimester of pregnancy (or even earlier) is a good time to start looking for your new baby's pediatrician.
Beginning Your Search To get a list of prospects, ask your own healthcare provider, or reach out to friends and family for recommendations. You could also call your local medical society, board of health, or hospital for some references.
Pediatrician Interview
Sometime after the 30th week of pregnancy, make an appointment for you and your partner to meet with a pediatrician or a few pediatricians in your area. Each appointment should last 15 or 20 minutes. It's not a good sign if a doctor won't meet with you — scratch him or her off your list!
You can find out a lot about a doctor during this prenatal pediatric visit. He or she should be a person with whom you would feel comfortable discussing any issue concerning your child and your family.
You may want to:
Here are some specific questions to ask:
A Switch in Time
If you have already brought your baby to a pediatrician you don't feel comfortable with, it's not too late to switch. Ask your health plan what steps you can take to find a pediatrician within the plan that meets your needs, your schedule, and your style.
Once you begin a comfortable relationship with your pediatrician, you will feel more relaxed and confident about childbirth and the lifelong devotion of parenting.
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