One of a mother’s most important allies is her child’s pediatrician, so it stands to reason you’ll need to give a lot of thought and care to choosing someone who is just right for your family.
It’s ideal to start looking for a pediatrician during the last few months of your pregnancy. Begin your search by talking to your family and friends. Gather their recommendations and find out what they like about the pediatrician they recommend – and what they don’t like, too. What is a small dislike to your friend may be a deal-breaker for you, so speak candidly.
Once you have a handful of contenders, find out if those physicians are a part of your insurance plan and do a background check. Conducting a check is easier than you think – all you need to do to get started is a quick online search.
Next, begin scheduling interviews with those doctors who meet your criteria. Every pediatrician’s office handles the interview process differently, but don’t worry. Just let the office staff know why you are calling and they will walk you through the process. Pay attention to how the office staff treats you when you call. As a new parent, you’ll be talking to the office staff a lot and you’ll want to make sure they are warm, competent and polite.
When you meet with the doctor, take a list of prepared questions but also judge the physician’s manner. You’re looking for a warm, compassionate pediatrician who shares your views, believes in preventative medicine, and is easy to talk to. You need to feel like you can comfortably share every concern with your child’s doctor.
