Choosing A Pediatrician
As a new parent, you’ve probably made close to one hundred lists so far of everything you need to accomplish before the baby comes. Trust me, I’ve been there. All of it seems so overwhelming and at times, you may wonder how you’ll ever get it all done. Especially if you throw in exhaustion, nausea/morning sickness and all the other feelings you may be feeling when pregnant. Choosing a pediatrician is may not be at the top of your list but it should be.
Choosing a pediatrician was super hard for me. I mean, it’s the person that would play a crucial role in mine and my baby’s life. I wanted to ensure I chose a good one.
It’s recommended to start searching for a pediatrician around 3 months before your little one is due. The best thing you can do is ask family relatives and friends for any recommendations. You will also want to ensure that the pediatrician is in your insurance network.
Once you have a a few pediatrician recommendations, it’s always a good idea to call their office with any questions you have. For example, do they have an after hours number you can call if needed? Do they have walk-in hours? If the doctor works within a practice, what’s the likelihood of you actually seeing your doctor each time? Once they’ve answered your questions, schedule an on-site visit if you still feel like you need a little more before deciding. Do what you feel is needed to help make your decision when choosing a pediatrician.
Don’t forget to check credentials for each pediatrician. Are they board certified? AAP member? It’s always a plus if they are!
Once you have your list narrowed down, my biggest piece of advice would be to go with the one you are most comfortable with. When choosing a pediatrician, go with the one that shares the same values as you do. The one who you feel will be the best with your little one.
Once baby is here and you’ve had the opportunity to meet with the pediatrician, consider if you made the right choice. If you feel you didn’t, you can always switch to another pediatrician. Choosing a pediatrician is tough but with the right research, your bound to make a good choice!
