[*GreenMama*]

I just started my Bradley Method classes yesterday. I absolutely love it and feel so at home there.<br><br>
The two other couples have both already decided on their child's pediatrician, so I feel a little late on the game.<br><br>
I'm trying to compile a list of important questions to ask a prospective pediatrician and was hoping you could help me with them. So please post questions, or helpful links here!<br><br>
I'm sure it will help not only myself but other new mommas here as well!

 

[L'lee]

I went to interview a pediatrician last week, so here are some ideas: (of course, feel free to use whichever are helpful to you!)<br><br>
* I am the kind of person who likes to do research and understand why I need to do procedures or tests. Will you support me in this? How? (Looking for an education and support in making decisions best for you & your child rather than "I'll tell you what to do")<br><br>
* When do you first examine the baby?<br><br>
* When/How often are appointments after the initial exam? How long are appointments?<br><br>
* Do you support breastfeeding?<br><br>
* Do you have kids?<br><br>
* What is your opinion of (selective/delayed/no) vaccinations? If I decide not to vaccinate, will you support this? Which vaccinations do you recommend, and which are you comfortable with skipping? Do you have mercury-free vaccinations available?<br><br>
* What is your after-hour availability? Who covers for you when you are not available?<br><br>
* What is your opinion of use of (antibiotics/homeopathics/etc.)?<br><br>
* When and how do you recommend starting solid foods? Would you support skipping cereals and starting with fruits and veggies?<br><br><br>
Good luck finding a great pediatrician!!

 

[peilover010202]

The pp list is great.<br><br>
How easily can you get in if you have a sick child? (is it always same day?)<br><br>
Is a nurse available to talk with you via phone about general questions, (is breastfeeding friendly meds, fevers, etc)?<br><br>
Does s/he support breastfeeding beyond a year?<br><br>
Delayed introduction of solid foods?<br><br>
I think the biggest one is will they talk with you about your options if babe is sick? Many peds we've seen just say, here's an antibiotic <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/blahblah.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="blah blah"> . Only one ped (who happened to be fam practice) offered me alternatives. "well, let's keep on eye out on his ear, it looks a little pink. Why don't you come back in a week, if it's worse we'll talk about antibiotics." And, once when ds had a ingrown toenail, he said "it's really looking pretty infected, he probably needs an antibiotic." I say, "well, is there anything we can do to avoid abx, he had a really bad reaction the last time." Dr said "try warm compresses several times a day to get blood flow to that area." It worked wonderfully. It really helps when the dr is working on your side trying to avoid abx when they may not be necessary - and when they are, you feel confident it's the best option.<br><br>
Sorry for the huge long ramble!<br><br>
GL!

 

[boingo82]

You will probably want to ask the ped's opinion on circumcision also - though you may have to phrase it in a sneaky way to get his/her real opinion.<br>
Our last ped insisted that he was "neutral" on circ, then tried 6 times over 2 appointments to pressure us to circ. He must've had a boat payment due.

 

[mamacatsbaby]

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/notes.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="notes">: These are good! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up"><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lurk.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lurk">:

 

[strawberryprincess]

i was just talking to a pg woman who recently took a baby care class from the hospital. the things they told her to think about when selecting a ped. were things like: proximity to home or work; office hours, and how many peds in the practice. i was very sad to hear that that was all the suggestions she was given. sure, those things may or may not be important. but...i would rather drive to the next town to find a ped who was supportive, not just cuz he was nearby....<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/irked.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="irked">:<br><br>
sorry for the rant...<br>
i would ask what the percentage of nursing moms the ped has, and the average length of breastfeeding. you may get a clearer picture of how many breastfed babies he/she actually cares for.<br><br>
also, the percentage of circed boys...in case this is something you do not want to have<br><br>
you could ask how the ped would care for a specific problem..."when you see a child with an ear infection, what will you do to help the situation?" if antibiotics are the first choice, red flags are raised.<br><br>
good luck looking for a good ped! there are so many so-so/bad ones out there, it may take a interviews before you find a good fit

 

[Peppamint]

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<div style="font-style:italic;">i was just talking to a pg woman who recently took a baby care class from the hospital. the things they told her to think about when selecting a ped. were things like: proximity to home or work; office hours, and how many peds in the practice. i was very sad to hear that that was all the suggestions she was given. sure, those things may or may not be important. but...i would rather drive to the next town to find a ped who was supportive, not just cuz he was nearby....<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/irked.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="irked">:</div>
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Yes, I drive 30 minutes away to a ped who supports us in the way I expect. I can't tell you have thankful I am that I got lucky with this ped. I didn't know I'd end up being an CLW, no vaxing, homebirthing mom when I was pregnant with my first baby and we lucked out with a great ped. The ped my two coworkers recommended here in town (10 minutes away) is awful- bullying moms of sick babies (as in one baby had reflux, apnea <span style="text-decoration:underline;">and</span> a neurological birth defect all at the same time) into vaccinating etc.<br><br>
Those are all good questions to ask! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up">

 

[L'lee]

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<div style="font-style:italic;">also, the percentage of circed boys...in case this is something you do not want to have</div>
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I don't know if this would give it away, but maybe you could ask this to "test the waters" and subtly find their feelings about circ'ing?<br><br>
I also plan to drive about 30 mins (20 when it's not busy, 45 during extended rush hour b/c the highway here sucks) to an excellent pediatrician. It will be a pain when I have a sick child, but totally worth it for the support of a really wonderful ped. The midwives are located near there as well. Maybe when we buy a house we'll move up that way. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin">

 

[*GreenMama*]

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also, the percentage of circed boys...in case this is something you do not want to have</div>
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Still trying to convince the hubby to leave baby uncircumcised if he's a boy. Hubbys not too convinced. I'm not all that upset if it has to happen. I know how touchy of a subject that can be, its just my own personal family situation.

 

[boingo82]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>CindyCaz</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Still trying to convince the hubby to leave baby uncircumcised if he's a boy. Hubbys not too convinced. I'm not all that upset if it has to happen. I know how touchy of a subject that can be, its just my own personal family situation.</div>
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If you need any information or ammo to convince him, please come over to the Case Against Circ forum. Many of us convinced our DHs also, and in almost all cases, our DHs are really glad we did.