When to Start the Search for a Pediatrician
When to Start the Search for a Pediatrician
You need to start searching for a pediatrician before the birth of a baby. Essentially, start the search during the second trimester. That’s between prenatal appointments, decoration of the nursery, and preparation for a maternity leave. Bear in mind the fact that you will have a lot of things to take care of later on.
Start your search by getting referrals from your gynecologist, coworkers, and friends that already have children. Mothers have varying opinions regarding pediatricians. Take them into consideration to make a more informed decision when choosing a pediatrician.
Consider Location
After giving birth, you will need a pediatrician that you can visit conveniently. Remember that you will need to see the pediatrician at least once each month during well-baby visits. You might also want to see the pediatrician in case your baby falls sick in between. Therefore, choose a pediatrician whose office is situated near your home, workplace or both.
Personality
From the moment your child is born, you want them to interact with people that understand their needs and how to address them. A pediatrician will be a major player in the life of your family. It’s therefore crucial to choose a professional with a personality that meshes with that of your family. Since you will have questions to ask the pediatrician, choose a professional that you feel comfortable to ask anything.
Availability
Availability of a pediatrician and their office hours are other factors to consider when starting the search for a pediatrician. A good pediatrician has a nurse that can easily be reached during an emergency. You can also visit the pediatrician to inquire about their availability. Look around to read the moods of the visiting children and their parents. Are they comfortable and happy? Is the pediatrician’s office staff helpful and pleasant?
Basically, the best time to start the search for a pediatrician is from the 28th to the 34th week into pregnancy. At this time, you can easily know what exactly you want and still have time to conduct some research.