Choosing a Pediatrician

Mallyboomer

...is way harder than I thought.

Been on the phone all afternoon (in conjunction with researching/asking around for the past few weeks) and the procedure seems to be --since I'm delivering with a midwife-- that I have to wait until the baby is a week or two old to schedule an appointment with any of the doctors I've tried calling, and most of them seem pretty reluctant to set up anything beforehand if I'm not delivering at their hospital.

What I don't understand is, how can I know I actually want the pediatrician I make an appointment with, if they won't see me at any point before baby is born?

Anyone else having this problem? 

leneae10

Hmmm, I thought it was common for Peds to see you while pg so you can meet each other?  I have an appt next Friday at 31 weeks with an awesome ped. who practices in my family practice.

FWIW, my neighbor (who has 7 kids and I'm going with her recommended Pedi) said that Family Practitioners tend to be better at babies sometimes than Peds, because it's not routine for them.  She said in a pinch she's taken her infants to her family Dr and they are much more thorough, because they are used to looking at old butts and gross adult complaints.  Just a thought in case you don't find someone in time.

CutieBean79

Hmm, that seems strange.  We found an office that was under our insurance, looked them up online, and they had an open house.  We went and they said to call them after the baby is born and to make an appt for 48 hours after we bring LO home.  It doesn't matter where we are delivering - there were several hospitals among the couples that attended the open house.  We will just bring the paperwork from the discharging pediatrician on staff at the hospital to the first appt. 

mocknine

That seems kind of weird to me...  I actually just met with a pediatrician last night.  He happens to have privileges at the hospital I am delivering at, but even if he didn't there was no restriction on seeing him.  I have never heard that.  I am with you- how do you know if you will like that doctor if you don't get to meet with him/her before you deliver.  

 

Also, I was under the impression that the baby needs to be seen by their pediatrician within 24-48 hours after leaving the hospital-- why are they telling you to wait a week or two??

 

Have you tried your OB's office?  They can sometimes recommend pediatricians.  Or, you can try your hospital.  They should have a list too. 

 

P.s. what does it matter if you're delivering with a midwife? 

doz&koz

I'm having the same problem.  One of the my LOs has a potential issue and my OB wanted me to meet with someone before delivery.  I called to make an appointment and was told that they don't do prenatal visits.  This practice is the only one that works at the hospital I'm delivering at, so I'm just going to go with them at this point and change later if I'm not happy.  My OB has already talked to them so we're all on the same page about how to check out DS after he's born.

shuaytos

We are going to an open house next week and that seems to be pretty common practice around here. The hospital requries that the baby be seen by a pediatrician 24 hours after delivery and if you have picked one they will call them for you and they will come to the hospital. You also have to take the baby to the doctor soon after you get home. Seems strange that no one will see you before hand.