First Years (0-2)

One of the mistakes I’ll admit to making during my pregnancy was focusing too much of my hard-to-come-by energy on what was happening to my baby in utero, and largely overlooking what I was going to do once he got here. That being said, I did think far enough ahead to choose a pediatrician before the big day.

After going through several OB/GYNs, I finally found a doctor who I felt confident would deliver my baby and me through the traumatic process of childbirth. Her kind eyes, gentle voice and way of being unfazed by my latest preg-nancy crisis convinced me that I could trust her with one of the most intimate, frightening and completely mind-boggling events of my life. My instincts were right. She was the perfect doctor for me, so when she recommended a pediatrician for my son, I took her advice.  

That’s not to say I didn’t scrutinize this person who would soon be performing a crucial few snip-snips just days after my child was born. Glowing referral or not, she was going to have to impress one already over-possessive mommy before getting my $15 co-pay!

And speaking of co-pays, it’s smart to pay attention to your insurance policy’s fine print when it comes to having and maintaining a baby. Call your carrier’s customer service number, talk to a real person and explain that you are expecting (a baby). He or she should be able to clue you in to pertinent policy details, such as the deadline to add your child to your plan or if there are restrictions on coverage for participating and non-participating health-care providers.

What matters most
Once you’ve taken care of the red tape, it’s time to get down to the real business of finding your baby’s first doctor. Hard as it may be to imagine now, there will come a time when viruses, bacteria and mean kids from down the street threaten the well-being of your little angel. And when that day comes, you’ll want a superhero to make it all better.

Armed with stethoscopes and handy little lights for illuminating noses and ears, pediatricians have the skill, experience and common sense to tackle all manner of health menaces. In fact, accustomed as they are to late hours and late-night phone calls, they may be some of the only folks in the medical profession who really understand your job. And that’s the trick – to find a doctor who sympathizes with your craziness over the slightest sniffle, who shows genuine concern for your child and who designs his or her practice around your needs.

I have been called persnickety, and worse, but I place a high value on politeness, efficiency and competence. If you are like me, you’ll want to find a pediatrician’s office where the staff is courteous and the nurses helpful. A knowledgeable RN or nurse practitioner can save you time and money on unnecessary doctor’s visits and grant you the peace of mind that Junior’s cough is not life-threatening.

Inquire about the hours of operation and whether or not a pediatrician offers weekend appointments. Ask if same-day appointments are available. You may also be interested in a pediatric practice with multiple physicians. In the event that your doctor is unavailable, his or her colleague may be able to see your baby and then share the diagnosis with your pediatrician.

After you’ve asked around for referrals, talked to receptionists and nurses, and thoroughly satisfied your inquiring mind, have faith that the pediatrician you’ve chosen will be there in your baby’s time of need. Hopefully, your first meeting will confirm the wisdom of your decision.

If your pediatrician appears distracted, seems aloof to your concerns or simply isn’t a good fit, find someone you feel 100% comfortable entrusting with your child’s medical care. Even if your baby is the picture of health, you will be spending plenty of time at the pediatrician’s office during the first year – and for many years after. You deserve a doctor who puts you and your child first.

S. Danyelle Knight was recently honored with a Silver Award at the Parenting Publications of America Awards for her contributions to our magazine. To read her winning essay, go to ocfamily.com, click on “ocdadblog,” scroll down to “older posts” and access the blog on March 3, 2008.