Meeting first pediatrician today--advice?

[BarefootinBrooklyn]

Hi all,

I've got a list of pediatricians my OB recommends, and then a seperate smaller list of them that were recommended on the local attachment parenting group board, and planning to meet with one doc today.

Does anyone have any suggestions for good questions to ask?

My main concerns are vaccinations, whether or not this is a dr. that supports breastfeeding (I hear of so many cases where a baby isn't gaining enough weight 'to the dr.'s preference' and the dr. will suggest supplementing formula or weaning really early and want to avoid this), and finding a dr. that won't push antibiotics or other medicines every time the child gets a cold. I'm not expecting a naturopath, but someone who is a little more open minded...

Fire away! :

[pixiesmommy]

If it's a ped in a larger practice, then I would ask what the chances are that you would see that particular ped when making appts. When Pixie was younger, we had one wonderful homeopathic ped in a practice with about 7 others and it was nearly impossible to even get well visits with him, nevermind same or next day "I think she might have strep throat" type visits.

I didn't look at your sig beforehand to see if it says what you're having, but if circumcising is an issue, then I would ask what their stance on retraction is. You want them to say "We would NEVER do that!!!" but obviously, if you've been around the CAC board at all, you know you have to reiterate this and be vigilant about telling them not to anyway

Manda

[lisalulu]

Not sure if this is important to you but I remember reading it in a book somewhere-to find out if the dr has hospital privleges anywhere in case your dc needs to go, you know the dr they will be seeing. I'm not sure how common that is though-ours doesn't.

Also with breastfeeding, I'd ask if they support extended breastfeeding.

Whats their stance on sleeping issues-do they push CIO?

[oskie]

Not a specific question, but keep your eyes open at the office. Are all the posters sponsored by Similac, all the pens from Merck, etc.? Even if they are giving you all the "right" answers, the environment can give clues to how they really act.

[Da WIC Lady]

Ask some questions you already know the answers to just to see how they compare with what you've already researched. I did this with one of the docs in the practice I take the kids to and he masacared the AAP policy on breastfeeding to the point where I had a hard time not laying into him. I did however, send him a print out of the AAP statement from their archives and highlighted where he totally missed the boat. Haven't been in since then, but I don't plan on going to him unless I absolutely have no other choice.

Above all listen to your gut. If you don't feel comfortable with the doc, even if you can't put your finger on it, try somewhere else.

Anna

[melissakc]

Ask what is the most important thing you can do to keep your child healthy, then listen. I think the answer to that question is really revealing, esp. if you interview more than one and can compare answers.

[BarefootinBrooklyn]

thanks everyone--it was a good appointment. i got a good vibe from the doctor---she seemed a little pro-vaccine though, but flexible with people who want to delay. she said she'd never had a negative experience with vaccinations, but understands why people want to avoid them until certain ages, decline certain ones, etc. She was very pro extended breastfeeding, and wanted me to know that they try to avoid giving antibiotics whenever possible, that she isn't into over-medicating children. She was very nice. Gotta keep looking though! I have a feeling I may need to go elsewhere for my vax views to be agreed with, but good to know there is a nice dr. in town for when baby does get sick.