The Importance of Choosing a Pediatrician
Choosing a pediatrician is an important must-do for soon-to-be parents. As a mother of four (who also did “two-under-two” three times in a row), I can confidently say that you will visit the pediatrician’s office more than your friends during your baby’s first year of life. Your child’s pediatrician will become your ally when it comes to your baby’s health and development, and that on its own is of utmost importance.
Is there a right time to choose a pediatrician?
Many moms begin the search during their pregnancy, mainly in the third trimester. Moms who register for a hospital birth must fill it in the registration packet as a requirement. Some moms decide to keep the pediatrician automatically assigned by their insurance. I chose my childhood pediatrician because of the familiarity. Nevertheless, this pediatrician met the expectations I (and my husband) had during our search.
Moms should remember that if they choose to have a hospital birth, they will not be discharged until they indicate who the baby’s pediatrician will be.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends meeting specific criteria before discharge. This includes a physical examination by a pediatrician, vital signs within normal ranges for the 12 hours preceding discharge, regular urination, and at least one stool, amongst other recommendations. A midwife can also ensure your baby’s health if you choose to have an out-of-hospital birth. A checkup is recommended within 48 to 72 hours after birth to evaluate feeding, weight gain, and any yellow discoloration of the skin (jaundice).
So, how can you choose the right one? Below are some important things to consider as you begin your search:
1. Medical Insurance and Cost of Care
Your baby may be covered under your medical insurance or a managed care plan. In this case, the first step is to gather the list of doctors covered within your network. You can call the insurance or compile a list from their website. If you will be paying out of pocket, finding the cost of care for routine visits is essential. Moreover, knowing if payment/copayments are due at the time of the visit will help you plan, too.
2. Location: Distance from Your Home
As I have noted, your child’s first year of life will require multiple visits to the pediatrician. Proximity is key for both convenience and matters of urgency. The closer, the better. A 15-20 minute radius is what most moms find convenient.
3. Hours of Operation
It’s important to keep your family dynamics in mind when choosing a pediatrician. As a first-time mom, I never wanted to miss my babies’ first appointments. I was a working mom that had to accommodate the baby’s doctor appointments to our work schedules. Some pediatricians may offer evening or weekend appointments, and these are important things to consider.
4. Doctor’s Healthcare Approach and Philosophy
I decided to keep my childhood pediatrician as the primary care for my own children based on this consideration alone. This may require speaking to the pediatrician, or sometimes the staff may know. Some questions to ask are:
- Does the pediatrician take a “wait-and-see” approach, or do they offer preventative measures such as lab work or follow-ups?
- Are vaccinations required to be a patient?
- What are the pediatrician’s viewpoints on child-rearing topics such as breastfeeding, sleep training, developmental delays, discipline, introducing solids, growth curves, antibiotics, and holistic care (amongst others)?
- How does the pediatrician handle emergencies?
» » » » » RELATED READ: 5 Pumping Tips for Returning to Work While Breastfeeding « « « « «
5. The Practice/Facility: What Is Offered?
This will depend on if the pediatrician has their own private practice, is part of a larger network of doctors in the facility, or is a family medical doctor. You may have to visit the facility to check it out yourself. Some questions to ask are:
- How big is the facility? Check out the parking space situation.
- How many doctors are on site, and do I get to see the same one every time I bring my baby? (if you want it to be more personal, this one is important.)
- Are there separate entrances or waiting areas for sick visits and well visits?
- Does the facility offer walk-in appointments?
- Is there an after hour line I can call?
- How far out do I have to schedule well visits?
- Does the practice have its own laboratory?
- Are Flu, Strep, COVID-19, etc. tests offered?
- Does the facility look clean, and are the rooms sanitized? How often?
- Do patients have the option to wait in their car?
- Are masks required in the facility?
6. Other Perks and Support Staff
Only a few pediatric offices offer them, but if they are essential to you, ensure you find an office that does. Examples of perks can be house calls, support groups, online portals, big rooms for large families, a breastfeeding area, and a playground for kids (often sanitized), amongst others. Other support staff can be any specialist, nurse practitioner, a lactation consultant, or counselors on-site to help answer questions and assess your children as they grow. In a way, I consider this a “wish list.”
Choosing a pediatrician for your baby is a matter of teamwork. I recommend going through this list of things to consider with your support person (partner, parents, siblings, etc.)
True story: pediatric visits are not always a walk in the park. They are not always easy on our babies, either. Even if the pediatrician you choose meets all the criteria, the picture above will show you how visits sometimes look for us as a family of six. It’s essential that your support person is helping make this important decision with you.
Be sure that you are comfortable with who you choose as the provider in charge of your child’s healthcare. Always remember that choosing a pediatrician is not a permanent decision. You can always switch if you feel the doctor, support staff, or facilities are not the best fit for you, your family, and, most importantly, your baby.
You got this, mama!
Look at you educating yourself on such an important decision! This itself should let you know that you are already doing AMAZING. Pat yourself on the back, mama. You got this! I believe in you!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of El Paso Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
