Choosing Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider
If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, your entire focus can be on healthy conception and pregnancy.
But wait, what happens after your baby arrives?
How do you make sure your baby stays healthy? How do you find the right network of healthcare professionals for your baby?
Finding the right healthcare provider for your baby can be a source of stress for parents. It can also be a great opportunity to find a person/practice that adds value to your family!
RN Sana Goldberg has some great ideas in her book “How to Be a Patient,” (Chapter: When It’s Your Kid). Here are some highlights:
What are my options?
Pediatricians work with children and young adults up to 21 years old.
There are also Nurse Practitioners who work with families.
Family practice doctors treat people of all ages…so technically you and your baby could have the same doctor!
How do I find the right provider for my child? 🎯
☑️ Get recommendations from trusted providers you already like
☑️ Ask your trusted friends and colleagues
☑️ Read reviews on websites like Zocdoc and Healthgrades
What should I look for in a healthcare provider for my child? 🔎
✅ They should be willing to explain their thinking to you
✅ They should be curious (which likely means they’ll be critical and innovative in their thinking)
✅ The should be willing to admit when something is outside of their wheelhouse
✅ They should be receptive listeners
✅ They should be accessible
✅ They should have a communication style and pace that you feel comfortable with
What questions can I ask my child’s provider when we meet for the first time? 💬
☑️ What is your philosophy about breastfeeding? Bottle feeding?
☑️ What is your philosophy about sleep?
☑️ What is your philosophy about behavior challenges?
☑️ How would I reach you if I thought something was wrong?
☑️ Who covers for you when you’re not available?
☑️ How long does a typical check up last?
☑️ What’s the process if we have question for you but don't necessarily need to come in?
There are wonderful healthcare professionals out there waiting to be found! And just remember, keep it low stakes. You don’t need to find the 100% perfect fit. You can find the “this is fine” fit and continue to hone your search after your baby is born! Take it from me— I switched pediatricians when my first child was two months old. There is time to find the right healthcare provider for your baby.
For parents of newborns, no question is too silly! Ask away!
🧴 The rash
🍼 Burping
🤱🏽Chapped nipples
💩 The weird baby poop
About the Author: Kathleen Stern is a certified labor and postpartum doula and founder of Boston Area Doulas. Kathleen believes in the power of support, connection, increasing access to resources and increasing one’s confidence in parenthood. She lives in Massachusetts with her two girls and husband.
