Things to Consider When Choosing a Pediatrician Q&A
When choosing a pediatrician for your child, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you must be sure that the doctor is qualified and experienced to give your child high-quality care. The location, business hours, and accessibility of the pediatrician in case of an emergency are further factors to take into account. Our pediatricians are committed to offering each child and family compassionate, patient-centered care. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Milford and Hyde Park/Norwood.
Table of Contents:
What should you consider when choosing a pediatrician?
How should your doctor interact with your newborn?
When should I consult a pediatrician about my newborn?
A pediatrician is a medical doctor that specializes in examining, diagnosing, and treating children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. They provide medical insight into the physical, emotional, social, and psychological components of child development, while also helping parents navigate the complicated process of child-rearing.
At ESD Pediatric Group, our team of experienced pediatric health providers and healthcare professionals always makes sure that your child is given the highest level of care and consideration. We would be happy to help you navigate any medical issue or concern that your little one is experiencing safely, promptly, and professionally.
Just like choosing your own primary healthcare provider, it’s important to choose a pediatrician that you feel completely comfortable with. You should be able to talk openly and honestly about your child’s medical history, their development, any questions that you may have about raising them, and any physical or psychological issues that they might be experiencing.
When considering a pediatrician, take into account the following factors:
● Communication. It’s important that both you and your child feel safe, comfortable, and secure during your visits with your pediatrician. Open and clear communication is key, and you should never leave your child’s appointment feeling confused about anything that was discussed. A good pediatrician will encourage you to ask questions, answer them in a straightforward and empathetic way, and make sure that you understand the process before any decisions are made.
● Education. It’s important to ensure that the pediatrician you’re seeing is board certified, meaning they’ve successfully completed the highest level of education and practical training. Board-certified specialists are held to high standards, including needing to stay current on all the latest medical news, procedures, medications, etc.
● Experience. Your pediatrician should have ample training and experience when it comes to assessing, diagnosing, and treating issues as they pertain to children’s health. Always check to see how long your pediatrician has been practicing, where they’ve practiced, and what schooling/programs they’ve completed.
● History. Always check your potential pediatrician’s background to ensure there has been no history of disciplinary action or malpractice. This information should always be provided upon request from the practitioner’s office, but it is also available online via your state’s medical practice website.
Your pediatrician should regularly interact with your newborn through scheduled appointments in the office. This includes their first visit, which should take place within the first 3-5 days after your child has been born.
During these visits, your doctor will gently assess your baby’s health by performing a wellness check. This includes:
● Measuring their weight, length, and head circumference.
● Observing and measuring their vision, hearing, and reflexes.
● Completing a comprehensive physical exam.
● Asking you about your first few days with the baby and how things have been going.
● Asking you about your baby’s eating and sleeping patterns.
● Talking about what you can expect over the upcoming months.
The first couple years of your baby’s life play a critical role in their development, so expect regular visits with your pediatrician to make sure everything is progressing as it should. They will keep a detailed medical record for your baby, which includes their growth information, a record of immunizations, current and past medications, and any past and/or current conditions or ailments.
It’s recommended that you begin searching for a reputable pediatrician about 3 months before your baby is due. Babies, even perfectly healthy ones, need to go to the doctor quite a lot for regular wellness checks and immunizations. And the first of these occurs in the first 3-5 days following the birth of your baby, so it’s important to have someone lined up before then.
While scheduled visits may vary slightly, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies visit their pediatrician 3 to 5 days after birth, and then at regular intervals moving forward. This includes wellness checks (and immunizations, if applicable) at the 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12-, 15-, 18-, and 24-month marks.
In addition to your regularly scheduled visits, you’ll also want to consult a pediatrician if you suspect that your newborn is experiencing medical issues. A sick baby can’t verbally communicate their sickness, so it’s important to look for physical and emotional signs such as:
● Behaving differently than what is considered normal for them (e.g., fretful, listless, irritable)
● An increase in crying.
● Not being easily comforted.
● Being unusually quiet.
● Not wanting to eat.
● Feeling hot to the touch.
● Appearing flushed or pale.
If you’re unsure about whether your newborn’s symptoms warrant an in-clinic visit, give your pediatrician a call. They will be able to take stock of your newborn’s symptoms and direct you toward the appropriate course of care, which may include at-home remedies, an in-person visit, or directing you toward pediatric urgent care or the ER.
If you’re looking for safe, comprehensive, and compassionate care for your child, look no further than ESD Pediatric Group. We pride ourselves on offering the highest level of care at every stage of your little one’s life, so you’re always left feeling confident in your decisions. Contact us today for more information about our pediatric services, or you can book an appointment online at your earliest convenience. We have convenient locations to serve you in Milford and Hyde Park/Norwood. We serve patients from Milford OH, Hyde Park OH, Cincinnati OH, Blue Ash OH, Montgomery OH, Loveland OH, Mt. Orab OH, Newtown OH, and Kenwood OH.
