As a parent, you want your baby to have the best doctor possible. Before you schedule your first infant checkup in North Charleston, SC, it is important to ask him or her these questions to ensure a good fit for your family.
1. Are You a Parent?
The preferable answer to this question depends on your personal preference. While some patients don’t mind if their pediatrician isn’t a parent, others prefer someone who has the empathy that only a mother or father can have.
2. How Do You Feel About Vaccinations?
Most doctors strongly recommend parents vaccinate their children. While some doctors will respect the wishes of a parent who doesn’t want to vaccinate, some will refuse to treat your child if you don’t want him or her vaccinated.
3. How Do You Feel About Breastfeeding?
Experts recommend a baby breastfeed for the first year of his or her life. Some doctors press this, but some don’t. If you don’t intend to breastfeed the entire first year, you may want a pediatrician who won’t pressure you to do it.
4. What Are Your Credentials?
Look for a pediatrician who is board certified and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Someone who has both credentials may be listed as FAAP.
5. How Long Have You Been a Pediatrician?
This is a good question to ask when you are interviewing pediatricians before you take your baby in for his or her first appointment. Some parents want a doctor who has been practicing for decades and had plenty of experience. Others prefer younger doctors who may be more advanced technologically or more knowledgeable in modern child-rearing practices. Either way, choose someone who fits your needs.
6. Do You Have Any Specialized Training?
This may or may not be important to you. If your baby is 100 percent healthy, your pediatrician may not need special training. However, if your baby suffers from any health issues, you may want to find a pediatrician who is experienced in treating patients with the relevant health problems. This is especially true if the disease or disorder is a rare one.
7. How Long Do Your Appointments Last?
Ideally, your doctor should spend at least 20 minutes with each patient. This gives him or her time to examine your baby as well as to answer any questions you have or clarify any information he or she provides.
Once you find a pediatrician that meets all your requirements by answering the questions satisfactorily, it is time to schedule your baby’s infant checkup in North Charleston, SC. Remember to show up a few minutes early in case you need to fill out paperwork.
