As parents anxiously await the birth of their precious bundle, so many plans are being made to welcome the new born to the world. They excitedly plan the nursery blending with themes and beautiful colors. Every little detail from the layette to the furniture is meticulously shopped in malls or at garage sales according to their affordability. Regardless of the place they shop, the love and joy is in no way undermined.
Equally important is to shop for a pediatrician. The Finding the ideal Pediatrician is no easy task and needs to be done with careful consideration of many factors.
Some parents may just choose the Pediatrician who will be available at the hospital at time of the birth of their baby. There is no guarantee that you have found the best Pediatrician and you might find out his value at the cost of your child’s health. Ideally the Pediatrician should have been chosen well in advance of the birth of the baby. Some parents may go to the extent of researching on the Pediatrician from the college he graduated to the score he earned. This may be the other extreme and it is better not to go through either of these processes.
What is important is to be able to trust your baby’s doctor and have a good relationship with him/her and for that the Pediatrician should have good bedside manners. You can ask your family and friends who have babies for their recommendations. You might find the same name coming up by several sources. Find out why they like or dislike as that may not necessarily be for the right reasons. It may be because the baby is given antibiotics and therefore get well faster and they may also dislike a doctor who does not give antibiotics and therefore the child’s recovery process is naturally slower. Some may like a doctor who does not spend much time in examining and therefore they do not have to spend lengthy periods in waiting rooms.
Once the names are short listed, make appointments to interview them. Find out whether you agree on fundamental things like breastfeeding and administration of antibiotics. Is the doctor’s name included in your insurance plan? Where is the clinic located? This is vital as you would not want to run around the country with a sick child. Ask the Pediatrician whether you are able to consult the baby’s doctor on the same day or whether there is a waiting period and if so what the alternatives are for an emergency. Does he work after hours and what are the charges? Do not assume that all doctors are Board certified, ask him/her.
It is also important to find out whether he is in a group or solo practice. If he is a solo then ask him what options are available when he is on vacation. See whether you are able to consult only your baby’s doctor even though he is in a group practice or whether that would depend on his schedule. If so then you may have to research on the other doctors as well.
Your child may be well and only needs to go to the doctor’s clinic for the vaccinations or for the periodic check-up, so find out whether there are separate waiting rooms for the sick and the well.
Even after selection, do not hesitate to change the Pediatrician if you think that you have not made the correct choice.
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