Helpful Tips for Choosing a Baby Doctor

Choosing a baby doctor before your baby's arrival is something that I found to be very helpful.

First, call your health insurance provider to get a list of doctors near your home who are providers on your health plan. Since medical bills can become a burden and source of marital strain, it is helpful to learn as much as you can about your baby's health insurance benefits (co-insurance, deductible, well-baby care, urgent care for after hours, emergency room, hospital, lab fees, and specialized tests, like ultra sounds, etc.) before delivery. Most places of employment have a health insurance representative that they can put you in contact with to answer many of your questions.

After you get a list of local pediatricians (baby doctors), call their office to arrange an interview. Come with a list of questions that you have about how they would handle certain health issues and concerns for your baby.

Since you and your husband will have many questions & personal opinions & beliefs about your baby's health care, begin to make a list early in your pregnancy. Talk with other moms & your family members, and do some online research. Some questions that I found helpful to ask during a doctor interview were:

1. What hospital does he/she practice?
2. What hours is he/she available to answer questions you may have?
3. Who is on call for him/her after hours?
4. Does his/her office provide support/help for breastfeeding questions?
5. What medical concerns should you call him/her about?
6. Baby immunization pros/cons?
7. Beliefs regarding antibiotic treatment?
8. Well baby care appointments (how often & what will be covered)?
9. Baby nutrition (breastfeeding vs. bottle, Introduction of solid foods)?
10. Baby dental care (suggestions)?

Personally, I found great comfort in getting to know my baby's doctor and staff before my first child was born. Since the doctor's staff is who you will most often be in contact with by phone for simple questions, it is important that you feel comfortable calling them and that you find them patient, helpful, and friendly. I also found it convenient to find a doctor that was as close to my home as possible, especially since my children had frequent ear infections.

Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN