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Tips for choosing your pediatrician
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How to pick a pediatrician?
Stressed out. Sleep deprived. Tired. Excited. Getting the nursery ready, checking off your "before baby arrives" to do list. Seeing old friends and relatives and working overtime to get extra time at home with baby once she arrives. Sound familiar? If so, this guide will help you choose your child's pediatrician.
Choosing a pediatrician can seem daunting. With many lists and names it is hard to decide who to choose as your child's most important advocate. Your Obstretrcian and health insurance company may have a list of names for you to pick from.
That said, once you meet them what comes next?
Finding the right pediatrician can be similar to finding a pair of shoes you could live in forever. So, in order to get it right, you may have to meet a number of different doctors until one "feels" right. What do I mean by, "feels right?" There are many issues that go into that "feeling".
Pediatricians form lasting relationships with their children and families.Finding a doctor who really listens is important. You want your pediatrician to listen and actually hear you. As a parent many concerns you have may seem trivial or personal, so you need to feel comfortable with your pediatrician. You are forming a lasting relationship around your child' s health.You will be surprised what questions you may have for your doctor in the future.
But be careful, you don't want your pediatrician to be a close friend. You want your baby's doctor to remain objective. The best doctors remain objective about the situation. It is difficult to remain objective about a child who is part of your friends and family network.
Some other important tips to find the pediatrician that is right for your family.
1.) Is he/she board certified in pediatrics?
2.) Find out who takes calls after hours and on weekends.
3.) Find out what their weekday schedules are. Many pediatricians work part time, so find out if their schedules fit your families needs.
4.) Meet the other doctors who work in their office, chances are, you may see one of them on occasion.
5.) Ask where you go for labs, x-rays and in emergencies, much of this is dependent on your insurance, but it is still important to know.
6.) Oh yes, this may seem basic, but find out how far they are form your home? When your child is ill, you want to be close by. 20 minutes away is a long drive when your baby is ill.
7.)Ask the pediatrician questions about what is important to you. Examples may include their philosophy on child rearing, vaccines, co-sleeping,antibiotics and anything else that may be important to you.
8.)Ask how they keep up with medical advances.
9.) Word of mouth is important. Talk to other mothers locally and get their feedback.
10.) If you don't know any moms, you can always check the local mom's groups for opinions.
Most importantly,if you choose someone and later on it doesn't "feel right", its not too late. You can pick someone else and you won't hurt any-one's feelings. You are your child's advocate so follow your instinct. And remember, before your baby arrives, go meet the different pediatricians. Comparison shopping is best to do before your baby arrives.
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