how to choose a pediatrician?

FORTCSZ2012 · May 2013

my daughter is currently 7mo and her father and i have been taking her to the same pediatrician since she was first born. we were directed to her by our OBGYN, and before we knew we were "attachment styled" parents, we went to her without doing sufficient research. well, now, i am having some serious issues with her because shes telling my husband all of these things baby "should be doing" like sleeping through the night (which she is) but, i mentioned that she was teething and waking more because shes uncomfortable- and the dr told me to ignore her cries because they're just "cries of pain" and she doesnt actually "need anything". aside from that, her views on how and what we feed our daughter, how and where she should be sleeping- that we need to hold her less and- its a mess. our daughter is thriving so, i dont know why our dr is telling us to do the exact opposite of the things we are doing. not to mention, she has my husband questioning my choices as a mother- and my intuition. so- how did you ladies choose a pediatrician that doesnt undermine your parenting style? any advice?

kellydw · May 2013

I would ask friends/family with similar parenting styles who they use or maybe ask on your local board/

mb314 · May 2013

I interviewed with our pediatrician before deciding on him, and that was very insightful. What I liked was that he was breastfeeding friendly and was low-intervention. I also liked that he asks me if I have concerns about vaccines. It shows that he recognizes that some moms may not be on board with everything that is mainstream.

I agree with pp - the pediatrician should be a doctor and deal with the health of your baby. He/she does not need to be giving out parenting advice.

salt78 · May 2013

andrea ri 80:
I don't ask my ped about anything lifestyle related. And they usually don't offer advice unless asked. Yes, they said I could start solids at 4 mos, but just because they say something doesn't mean you have to listen.
I really ONLY care what they say and seek out their expertise when my children are sick.
They're doctors not life coaches

This exactly. DD goes to the doctor when she's sick or for a well baby visit. I'm not there for parenting advice.

skibunny59 · May 2013

andrea ri 80:
I don't ask my ped about anything lifestyle related. And they usually don't offer advice unless asked. Yes, they said I could start solids at 4 mos, but just because they say something doesn't mean you have to listen.
I really ONLY care what they say and seek out their expertise when my children are sick.
They're doctors not life coaches

This! My pedi is pretty old school BUT he is not judgy at all and really respects my parenting choices. He has never once asked where DD sleeps, if she's sleeping through the night, when I'm planning to wean, etc. As long as she's healthy he doesn't really care.

I don't think it really matters if your pedi has the same views on parenting as you but it is important that they are not constantly undermining you. You still need to feel comfortable with this person even if you don't agree on certain things. Maybe ask some of your friends who have a similar parenting style.

jdunack · May 2013

my pedi doesn't offer any parenting advice -- as long as DD is healthy and hitting her milestones, that's all my doctor is concerned with.

i would find another dr -- ask friends/family for recommendations - i don't feel that you "parenting style" should come into play with any dr.

cecilyandgautam · May 2013

Our ped takes a lot of home birth families and is generally supportive, or at least not critical, of our parenting decisions. Maybe ask around in the natural birth circles in your area for recommendations?

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how to choose a pediatrician?

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