Choosing the Right Pediatrician: Key Questions for Expecting Moms
Congratulations! If you are pregnant and a first time mom, I am betting you are over the moon excited and ready to start crossing some things off your to do list! Finding the right pediatrician in Charlotte NC for your baby is a crucial step in ensuring not only your baby’s health and well-being, but YOURS. It's so important to choose a healthcare provider you trust and feel comfortable with– if you’re anything like me, you’ll have a lot of questions once baby arrives and you want a doctor who can put your mind at ease. To help you make an informed decision, here are some essential questions to ask prospective pediatricians during your search.
1. What Are Your Qualifications and Experience?
Board Certification: Are you board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics?
Experience: How long have you been practicing pediatrics?
Specialties: Do you have any specialties or areas of interest within pediatrics?
2. What Are Your Office Hours and Availability?
Regular Hours: What are your office hours? Are there any evening or weekend appointments available?
After-Hours Care: How are after-hours calls handled? Is there a nurse or doctor on call?
Emergency Availability: How quickly can I expect a response in an emergency?
Photo by Erin Wilwert Photography.
3. What Is Your Approach to Preventive Care?
Wellness Visits: How frequently do you schedule well-child visits?
Vaccinations: What is your stance on vaccinations?
Preventive Measures: What preventive measures do you emphasize for newborns and young children?
4. How Do You Handle Sick Visits?
Same-Day Appointments: Are same-day appointments available for sick children?
Hospital Affiliations: Which hospitals are you affiliated with if my child needs hospitalization?
Specialist Referrals: How do you handle referrals to specialists if needed?
5. What Is Your Philosophy on Child Development and Parenting?
Parenting Advice: What is your approach to common parenting issues like sleep training, breastfeeding, and discipline? (This is an area where you will either really connect or where you could knock some candidates out that aren’t going to be a good fit for your own parenting style)
Developmental Milestones: How do you monitor and support my child’s developmental milestones?
Parental Involvement: How do you involve parents in the decision-making process for their child's health?
Photo by Erin Wilwert Photography
6. How Do You Communicate with Parents?
Communication Channels: What methods do you use for communication (phone, email, patient portal)?
Appointment Length: How much time do you typically spend with each patient during appointments?
Information Sharing: How do you provide information and updates about my child's health?
7. What Is Your Practice’s Policy on Appointments and Billing?
Appointment Scheduling: How far in advance do appointments need to be scheduled?
Insurance: Do you accept my insurance plan? Are there any out-of-pocket costs I should be aware of?
Billing Practices: What is your policy on billing and payments? Are payment plans available?
8. What Additional Services Does Your Practice Offer?
Lactation Support: Do you offer lactation consulting or support for breastfeeding mothers?
Behavioral Health: Do you provide services for behavioral and mental health concerns?
Educational Resources: Are there resources or classes available for new parents?
A Mother’s Intuition- Go with Your Gut
The questions above are all fantastic to ask prospective pediatricians and to force you to think about what is truly important to you and your family. Ask about wait time– we found a fantastic pediatrician in Charlotte NC that was a little more natural and go with the flow, but we would wait in the office for 1.5-2 hours even when we had appointments. With babies and toddlers, this was a no go for me. We moved and found another pediatrician within the same practice but in a different location who has been amazing. I trust her– it doesn’t necessarily have to do with her certifications or her practices policy on appointments and billing, but I know that she has my children’s best interests at heart and I can tell from the way that she interacts with them, how she explains things, she even advised me against some early orthodontia care that the orthodontist was pushing. So even if your pediatrician doesn’t necessarily hit ALL your check boxes, if there’s one that your momma gut just leans toward, choose that one! That mother’s intuition has served me very well and chances are it will serve you well too! Amd if not, you can always switch providers down the road!
Conclusion
Choosing the right pediatrician involves more than just a quick internet search or a recommendation from a friend. Taking the time to meet with prospective pediatricians, asking thoughtful questions, and considering your own needs and values will help you find a healthcare provider who is the best fit for your family. Remember, the right pediatrician will not only care for your child's health but also support and guide you through the ups and downs of parenthood.z
If you are also looking for a newborn and maternity photographer in Charlotte NC, feel free to check out my website here. I have 10 years of experience working with babies and children of all ages, 3 kiddo of my own and I would love to photograph your new family!
Here are a few other blogs you might want to check out!
https://www.erinwilwertphotography.com/blog/why-every-new-mom-in-charlotte-nc-needs-a-night-nurse
https://www.erinwilwertphotography.com/blog/top-fitness-classes-in-the-greater-charlotte-area
https://www.erinwilwertphotography.com/blog/prenatal-chiropractic-care-in-charlotte-nc
