For many of us, our first pregnancy is the most interaction we have with a medical provider since we’ve been old enough to remember.
And of course, your baby(ies) is being cared for by your OB or Midwife too. Soon though, enough that little person inside of you will be out in the world with the rest of us. And another round of doctor’s visits will begin!
Your baby will need a pediatrician, and we recommend choosing them while you’re still pregnant.
Notice, we said “choose” your baby’s doctor or nurse practitioner. You want to trust your baby’s healthcare provider, and feel good about them, because you’ll be seeing them nearly as much as you’re currently seeing your own.
So how do we make that happen? First step is to know your options.
There are typically three kinds of primary care providers that can see your child, beginning at birth- pediatricians, family practice doctors, and pediatric nurse practitioners.
- Pediatrician: a medical doctor who can care for your child from infancy through age 18 (or even up to age 21)
- Family Practice Doctor: a family practitioner can care for the who family- both children and adults
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: a nurse with an advanced degree that specializes in the care for infants through adolescence and young adults
You may prefer any of these providers for various reasons- if you prefer that you and your baby see the same primary care provider, a family practice is for you. Some prefer nurse practitioners because they may provide more personalized care and see fewer patients. Pediatricians are the most common choice.
How do I find my baby’s pediatrician, family practitioner or nurse practitioner?
You can find your provider a few ways:
- Referral from friends and family
- Through your health insurance company
- By reading medical provider reviews
- Your OB or midwife may have a recommendation
Regardless, we recommend ensuring that your provider will support you in your parenting choices, and be the right fit for your family. Being intentional about who you choose allows you to build a team.
As postpartum doulas, we recommend interviewing your baby’s pediatrician, doctor or nurse practitioner.
What should I consider when choosing a pediatrician or other healthcare provider for my baby?
Keep in mind that pediatric care is a long window (0-18 brings huge changes right?) We’ll focus on things that may be important to you now:
- What’s their overall approach to pediatric care?
- Do you share an openness to medical versus natural approaches?
- Keeping up with studies?
- What are their hours?
- Do they have weekend or evening appointments?
- Who do you call after hours?
- What are their resources when it comes to infant feeding?
- This is especially important if you plan to breastfeed. Do they have a relationship with an IBCLC?
- Do they use growth charts for breastfed babies?
- Do they have separate waiting rooms for sick and well patients?
- Is this a larger practice or smaller?
- Large practices may have more appointments available and easier access.
- Smaller practices allow you and your child to get to know a single provider.
- Can you have a conversation with them about your concerns?
- Vaccines, for instance, is a hot button topic. Most medical providers will recommend the standard vaccination schedule. Can they explain the topic to you in a way that’s compatible with your own wishes?
- How do you feel with them? Heard? Respected?
Many pediatric offices will allow you to come in for a consultation during pregnancy to get to know the doctor or nurse practitioner. We recommend it!
How did you find your baby’s healthcare provider?
Learn more about postpartum support here.
