Questions to Ask While Interviewing Pediatricians

Picking a paediatrician is a big decision and for some parents…but it is a bit of an odd experience: Not many of us interview 5 dentists before choosing one.

What should you ask? How do you know you’re choosing the right one for your baby…and you?

How to Choose a Paediatrician

When you interview health care providers for your baby, there are two main areas you want to learn about: general philosophy – someone who is in sync with your approach to wellness and who will support you on your parenting journey – and the nitty-gritty of how the office is run.

Parents often change paediatricians not because of the doctor themselves, but because of how the office is run!

Questions to Ask a Paediatrician

When you’re interviewing a paediatrician, take this list of questions with you: 

• Do you support breastfeeding? How so? Whom do you recommend as a lactation consultant when a mom has problems?
• What are the early signs of breastfeeding problems…and what is the best way to avoid problems?
• Do you recommend using formula?
• What is your stance on immunizations?
• What are 4-5 ways you would recommend to prevent illness in a baby?
• Are there other doctors/nurse practitioners/physician's assistants in the practise?
• Who sees me if my child is sick? Who sees me in an after-hours emergency?
• Do you have sick and well visitor entrances?
• How long is the usual wait to be seen, after a family arrives in office?
• Do you take my insurance plan?
• What are your office hours?

Putting in the time to choose the best doctor and practise for your baby is well worth it! Good luck!

Avvertenza: Le informazioni presenti sul nostro sito NON sono consigli medici per alcuna persona specifica o condizione. Sono solo intese come informazioni generali. Se avete domande o preoccupazioni mediche riguardo vostro figlio o voi stessi, si prega di contattare il vostro fornitore di assistenza sanitaria. Il latte materno è la migliore fonte di nutrizione per i neonati. È importante che, in preparazione e durante l'allattamento al seno, le madri seguano una dieta sana ed equilibrata. L'allattamento misto (seno e biberon) nelle prime settimane di vita può ridurre la produzione di latte materno e la decisione di non allattare al seno può essere difficile da invertire. Se decidete di utilizzare il latte artificiale per neonati, dovreste seguire attentamente le istruzioni.