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February 2012 Moms
Questions for Pediatricians??
So I am going to start making phone calls to set up interviews with some of the pediatricians around here. I was telling my mom about that and she asked me what questions were on my list, and that is when I realized that I do not have one. I honestly have no idea what to ask the pediatricians, not one question comes to mind. So second (+) time moms, what are some good questions to make the right choice in a pediatrician? FTM, has anyone given you a list of things to ask? Thanks!
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Re: Questions for Pediatricians??
I didn't really have a list of questions. Our pedi gave me a booklet of info on her, the other doctors and the practice in general....hours, policies for sick visits, on call hours, nurses line hours, etc. She outlined their vax schedule, policies on circ, BFing info, etc. That pretty much covered things I wanted to know.
We did the traditional vax schedule with DS but I think I want to space it out just a bit with this one. That's not something I've talked to her about.
ETA: She also told me about the schedule of visits from the day baby is born through the first couple years. It was nice to know how many appts to expect, and what they would entail. She was due to have a baby around the same time I was so she made sure I was ok with the possibility of having another doctor visit us in the hospital and see us for the first couple appointments.
love is for every her, love is for every him, love is for everyone
It is helpful to know which hospital your pediatrician goes to. For instance, we have 2 pediatric hosptials in our city, plus numerous hospitals that will admit children. If it is important to you that if your baby needs to be admitted to the hospital (God forbid!) that he or she is taken care of by his or her own doctor while in the hospital, this is important information to know. The pediatrician we're going with only goes to one of the pediatric hospitals in town, and if we end up at the other one, the baby will be taken care of by the hospitalist or the staff teaching service. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it will be an unfamiliar doctor for the baby. Just a logistics thing to keep in mind.
Personally, it is important to me that my baby's doctor is supportive of breast feeding. Meaning, has resources or can help me to access help rather than just automatically recommend that I supplement with formula.
Here is a list I found online that had some decent questions. Definitely some things on here that you will want to know for future use!
This would be my biggest question. Some peds are super quick to use antibiotics.
BFP 3.8.16 EDD 11.20.16
First make sure the Pedi is covered in-network by your insurance b/c LO will be going in for a lot of appointments and the cost adds up.
The important thing to me was office hours- my office has evening and Saturday appointments. They also have walk-in sick hours Mon-Fri so you can just show up if LO gets sick overnight. Also ask what to do if LO is sick when the office is closed- do they have a 24/7 emergency line you can call?
I would also make sure you pick a Dr that is close to home, you don't want to have to drive too far if LO is sick.
If you are planning to BF, make sure the Dr is supportive of that. Unfortunately if it is a large practice not all doctors are equally supportive. My DD wasn't gaining weight quickly enough the first week and one of my Pedi's told me I should supplement with formula. I was very opposed to this and stuck to my guns. I took it upon myself to contact the Lactation Consultant associated with my Pedi's office.
Also ask about normal schedule for well visits and immunizations.
Your best bet is to ask other parents for recommendations. Or ask your OB who they recommend.