Choosing a pediatrician?

MrsC430

Happy weekend ladies

Hopefully this doesn't sound too dumb, but I feel clueless when it comes to choosing a pediatrician for our girls. Trying to think ahead since it's a good possibility they'll arrive early.

How far in advance should this be done? Anything specific you think is important to look for when choosing a doctor/practice?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Lmoist

Ask mommy friends! I asked about 10 people and they all said the same pediatrician so I didn't hesitate! My midwives asked at my 30 week appointment for my pediatrician decision so I had to know pretty far in advance.

MrsC430

Thanks ladies! We're new to our area, so unfortunately the majority of my mom friends have recommendations that are too far away. Thinking I can probably find reviews online though.

I appreciate the tips!

jac409

In addition to the above recommendations, I would also make sure that the practice is going to be supportive of your feeding preferences, vaccination preferences, etc. With regard to the waiting room, do they have a section for sick patients as opposed to kids who are just there for well checks? I made appointments with a few different practices in our area and interviewed them before making a decision. Instead of interviews, sometimes they will do open houses where you can go check it out and ask questions. Good luck,

Celticlass6

MrsC430 said:

Thanks ladies! We're new to our area, so unfortunately the majority of my mom friends have recommendations that are too far away. Thinking I can probably find reviews online though.

I appreciate the tips!

Are you on Facebook? Look for a moms group near you with a Facebook page. You can join and ask questions to other moms in your area. Plus, I think the one I joined does meet ups occasionally, so it would be a good way to meet other parents near you.

jac409

Getzy14 said:

I had a question regarding this: 

I love my family medicine physician. Is she qualified as a pediatrician as well? Or do I have to find a separate pediatrician for my LO? Haven't asked yet. I probably should...

You would have to ask her or just check her credentials on their website.

Nfranco973

My pediatrician is already chosen since it's DD, DS, was mine and my sisters and neices. I think walk ins are number 1 priority for me. Also, my Ped has a 24 hour personal number that if you are really concerned you can call her. She also makes home visits.

kristyru03

I was in the same boat as far as being new to an area so I didn't have anyone to ask for recommendations. I found a couple of offices that did open houses so you could meet the doctors. It was really nice and I actually learned a lot. The main things I looked for were:

- do they take walk ins
- do they have a sick side separate from the healthy side
- do they have a 24 nurse on call
- Overall comfort with the doctors

Most offices we spoke to like to see the baby the day after you go home from the hospital so we went ahead and selected one now.

lovingaddi

@Getzy14‌ if it's a family practice they should do from birth & up. I took my first DD to a pediatrician for 1-2 months & I didn't like the practice. It was hospital affiliated, terrible hours, no Saturdays, and if you needed an appt after hrs it was "go to the ER". From there forward I took her to my family doctor & I'm very happy with my decision. Hours til 8 pm, Saturdays, and a doc always on call that you literally talk to the DR vs a nurse. We have moved about 20 minutes further away in the last year- but I'm 99.9% sure I'll be taking this baby to the same office as well. It's worth the drive

2ndGeneration

Getzy14 said:

I had a question regarding this: 

I love my family medicine physician. Is she qualified as a pediatrician as well? Or do I have to find a separate pediatrician for my LO? Haven't asked yet. I probably should...

  I use a family physician practice for all of us-dh, me, kiddos ages 21-10, and new baby will too. I love this setup, it's so convenient (other than the fact that they are not close to where I live) to have all our stuff in one place, and they know us well.

 I did have a ped practice for the kids when they were little (the fam. prac. hadn't formed yet) and I do not see an advantage to that vs. a family place.

staugustinewedding

I just found mine and I LOVE her. She's got a background in integrative medicine but also used western medicine...it was important to me to find one who is not really invasive or quick to write a prescription. She also supports my decision to opt out of the Hep B vaccination since my bloodwork shows I don't have Hep B. She's also ok with staggering vaccinations since my baby won't be going to daycare.