Pediatricians

Re: Pediatricians

• beaseg member

  March 2015

  Yes, they do. You have to pick them out and then we called ahead of time just to let them know. I have no idea how they were informed when I actually delivered, but they have usually one doctor from the practice come to the hospital every morning to check on the babies they're assigned to.

  
  

  Good recs are important. A place that has several doctors and an answering service for middle of the night/off day calls. If you feel like taking the time to "interview" them, but I'm not too sure what you would ask.

  
  

  All I know is that I visited the pedi A LOT (still do) when my daughter was young. 5/6 doctors are amazing. I've gotten to know each, so I know which ones I prefer to others. For example, one was a huge advocate for cry it out and did not encourage nursing- in fact, said I should bottle feed breastmilk at night IF I MUST feed at night and told me I really didn't need to after a year. My dd is 2.5 and still nurses, so I obviously don't agree- but she's still a fantastic doctor. Bedside manner is key when they're older. Basically- if they'll let you come in on short notice if your kid is sick and they take the time to answer your questions- those things are key. 

  
  

  I am so appreciative of our practice. I'm a very anxious mom, and they're very tolerant of me. 

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• kby721 member

  March 2015

  I had no idea how to choose a pediatrician either. I looked up some docs in my area online and started making phone calls. The first office I called had a 'meet and great' the following week for new parents to meet the doctors and ask questions. There were about 10 other couples there and the doctors talked about the practice, their policies, hours, etc. We loved everything we heard so we ended up choosing them without interviewing others but the meet and greet gave us a great foundation for interviewing others if we had decided to. 

  
  

  The top three things I was happy to hear were: 

  1. They have a lactation consultant on their staff

  2. They have a zero tolerance policy for vaccinations. Stick to the schedule or go elsewhere. Of course, this isn't for everyone but my husband and I are comfortable with this.

  3. We can call and speak with an actual doctor, not a nurse or third party answering service, at any time - middle of the night, holidays, etc.

  
  

  Also, because the practice we chose is small and private they do not come to the hospital. This was the one thing I wasn't thrilled to hear but it sounds like it has been their policy forever so it must work. They said we will have see the on-call pediatrician at the hospital who will provide us with a discharge sheet. The day we get home from the hospital we call our pediatrician for an appointment within 2-3 days of coming home. We provide them with the discharge sheet and the hospital's on-call doc's contact info in case any follow up is needed. 

  
  

  I recommend interviewing or meeting with as many offices as you need to until you feel comfortable. You'll be visiting them a lot over the next few years so you want to make sure they are on board with your parenting styles. 

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• a316b member

  March 2015

  We went on recommendations from our friends who have kids and who are docs themselves. They were also affiliated with the local children's hospital.
  
  None of our pediatricians have privileges at the hospital where I deliver, but the on staff pediatrician saw my kids at the hospital and we followed up two days later with the office we liked.

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

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