Ask a STM+

bserena

I saw interest in having a thread for FTMs to ask STM+s all of the random questions we think of/could use advice on, so thought I would get this started

mtengl

STM here, when I was a FTM this thread help a lot! There is no question too small or too big! 

1sttimemomma98

What type of things should I be looking for when choosing a pediatrician? 

mtengl

@1sttimemomma98 So I don't know how controversial this is in this group. But I was looking for one that promoted vaccinations. Mine actually only takes patients who are vaccinated/are vaccinating, I live on the border and we do have Measles out breaks here... 
Another point I liked was back before COVID they had a well child waiting room and then a sick child waiting room area, that way they were separated now they only see well child at facility and the rest are Telehealth. Another point is mine had after hours so from 6-10pm you could walk in with a sick kid and they also did minor things like stitches (I was the kid who always needed stitches), so that way I could avoid emergency rooms and such. They also have a 24hour nurses line. 

crizz13

re: pediatricians I also liked the 24 hr nurse line, my pediatrician is super responsive via the patient portal so I can email him directly if I want his input on something, and I also like they have drop in hours (pre COVID) where you don't have to make an appointment.

Finally, I looked for a practice that also supports parents and mental health/behavioral issues. Not saying that my girls are going to need it, but it's nice that they have two counselors on staff, a nutritionist, and a lactation consultant.  

surlyjaneausten

@1sttimemomma98 so I didn’t have a list of things to look for because we went with a good friend as our pediatrician, but I’ll tell you some things l I really appreciate about her. First, she was very “you do you” when it came to nursing. I unexpectedly ended up nursing for a long time, and it can be such a shame topic whether you want to do extended nursing, not nurse at all, stop because it’s hard, whatever. I love that our doctor is cool with whatever you choose as long as baby is healthy and growing. Same thing with circumcision, it’s controversial and she was totally non judgmental about our decision. We also co slept and she gave me safe guidelines rather than scolding. So I guess the common theme was someone who serves as a support rather than an authority. I’d be wary of any doctor who has strict guidelines on how baby should eat, sleep, etc. This may be hard information to get by interviewing them. I’d recommend asking for recommendations from a local mom group to see who people love. 

1sttimemomma98

@mtengl @crizz13 @surlyjaneausten thank you so much! I would have never thought about the 24 hr nurse line and drop in hours. around when should I start interviewing, right away? 

surlyjaneausten

I’d probably start calling to see who is taking new patients now! @1sttimemomma98

mtengl

@1sttimemomma98 it doesn't hurt to start looking now. Usually you go into the first appointment 2-3 days after the baby is discharged from the hospital. So you call them after you give birth to schedule an appointment. 

kelk5

For pediatricians, I knew I wanted a pediatrician within the one Children's hospital network in my area. I also use to work for a company that "merged" into their company and so I knew how great they were on continuing education for everyone and the resources that their pediatrician network has access to. Things important to me are staying current with research, pro-vaccine, 24 hour nurse line (seriously the best thing), and being connected to an urgent care, hospital, and specialists from neurologists to speech therapy to counseling to behavior analysts all sharing medical records. We've only had to use the urgent care but I love that they'll set up a follow-up appointment at my pediatrician's office if needed and my child's pediatrician has called me to follow-up after seeing an urgent care visit because she's automatically notified in the medical records.

I also asked a local online parents group (FB) to get the personal experience of other parents. I didn't interview the pediatrician since I knew the network they were a part of and that several parents recommended the pediatrician. I love my pediatrician, she's very intelligent, takes time to listen to all my concerns, provides education, and she's so sweet with the kids. They have separate waiting rooms and exam rooms for well vs. sick visits. They've been so great through the pandemic and mailed out information with new procedures and some general guidelines on staying safe. 

kerriec93

@1sttimemomma98 I was a complete slacker with mine. My advice would be to start looking around at different places when you can! I pretty much used word of mouth from trusted friends in the area when choosing our pediatrician. Once I decided who I wanted to take DS to, I gave them a call to make sure they were a) accepting new patients and b) accepting my insurance. Then didnt do anything with them until DS came at 37 weeks. Had to fill out forms on who his pediatrician was and get his appointment scheduled before we could leave the hospital. DS was in the NICU so I'm not sure if that is normal protocol or just because he needed to be seen for follow ups with bloodwork. 


Just don't be afraid to call around and ask questions! See what the hours are, ask what they do if there is an after hours situation, and just ask general questions to see if the pediatricians views align with yours!

+1 with @surlyjaneausten on the offering of support and not scolding! You shouldn't feel ashamed/nervous to bring up anything with your pediatrician. I just like to think mine forgets all of the off the wall questions I throw at her during check ups :P

It was a huge weight off my shoulders that I didnt even realize until after we chose a pediatrician. Good luck to you!

csardaszz

What pediatrician appointments are required and when for a new baby?

mtengl

@csardaszz  it depends on the pediatrician but mine is as follows: 

• 3 to 5 days

• 2 weeks

• 1 month

• 2 months

• 4 month

• 6 months

crizz13

@csardaszz Our baby well visit schedule is:
A check in the hospital (usually just by the hospitalist), 3 days, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months and 24 months.

kelk5

@kerriec93 we also had to fill out who baby's pediatrician was and date of first appointment before leaving the hospital. We didn't have any NICU stays with our first two. 

@csardaszz wellness visits at my pediatrician are 2-5 days, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 month, 4 month, 6 month, 9 month, 12 month, 15 month, 18 month, 2 years then annual.

crystalmir91385

Have some meetings with a couple. The practice we use, I love 3/4 of the pediatricians. Ours is female, and I had 2 girls first, so that was an added bonus.
Ours came to the hospital for the first checkup, then I think 3 days and 2 weeks.