Finding a Pediatrician
I am entering my second week of maternity leave and have made some good progress on my goals. I have taken a walk almost every day, practiced my relaxation CD a few times, started the nanny search, read and slept a lot. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't also checked my work e-mail way too much, probably much to the frustration of the people taking over for me. (Sorry!!)
This week, we have appointments with two pediatricians. Picking a doctor for The Babe is something we need to get worked out soon! The nanny, for instance, won't have to start until March or so. But, the pediatrician will hopefully be there the day the baby is born. (Of course, if the baby comes on Christmas or New Year's, I fully expect to get whoever's on duty. But, soon afterwards we will need to meet with our regular person.)
We have met with one pediatrician so far, recommended by my OBGYN. He was OK but it just wasn't a love connection. So, we decided to see who else is out there.
We have a few ideas about what we're looking for, but if you have recommendations, please let me know! The most important thing is that we want someone who iseasygoing, non-interventionist (not someone who will want to operate at the first sign of any problem) and who will allow us to be with the baby as much as possible after birth — meaning we will have as much time as possible to hold the baby right after delivery AND that we will be able to have the baby room in with us until we go home. Also we have been told it's important to pick someone who's pet friendly, and won't insist Puffy be locked away the first six months of the baby's life. (Um, if I thought there were any danger having a lazy, 9-pound, 10-year-old, one-eyed Pomeranian mix around, I would be the first to take action.) My hope is that we'll know when we meet the right person. And that that will happen this week.
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: baby third trimester pediatrician maternity leave
I don't know how it works there, but here, the pediatrician has nothing to do with your decision to have the baby room-in at the hospital or hold the baby after delivery. That's up to you (unless there is some sort of issue). Also, here at least, the ped doesn't come see you the very day the baby is born - they do their hospital rounds in the morning, before they go to the office. Though I am sure someone looked at the baby the day she was born, it's all kind of a blur. The things that are most important are that you get along with the ped, that their office is helpful (will someone answer the phone? Can you get a nurse or the doctor on the phone right away?) and convenient. How easy is it to schedule appointments? We went to a few that said you needed to schedule your well visits 3 months in advance - no gracias. We intervied 5 peds. Don't stop till you are happy.
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Here, the pediatrician (neonatologist) is super important from day 1. We actually have to call her (we found one we loved!) on the way to the hospital when I'm in labor. She has to sign all the orders, including that the baby can room in and that the baby should not be given any formula or water, for example. Apparently some won't approve rooming in!! how prehistoric is that?!
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That is so crazy! Well, I am really glad you found one you like, since he will be controlling your lives
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You really answered your own question in the last sentence of your blog when you said it's your hope you'll know when you meet the right person. I'm guessing that's how it will go for you guys. When our first son was born I bought this book called "the medical adviser" and every time our son coughed or sneezed we'd get out the book and look up symptoms and we'd find things like the first sign of cystic fibrosis is sneezing and we'd run off to the doctor. He finally told us to take that book and throw it in the trash before we drove ourselves to an early grave. After that we calmed down and followed the pediatrician's advice throughout our son's growing up years and he turned out just fine. You are wise about finding a doctor who doesn't think surgery is the first option. When Lance was about 4 we had moved to Biloxi, Mississippi and the doctor we got for him said he was knock kneed and needed surgery to correct it. I guess is was the voice of God who told us that wasn't right and so we said no to any surgery and the next pediatrician we went to commended us for being so wise and told us Lance would outgrow the knobby knee thing and sure enough he did and went on to become an incredible motocross racer with no knee troubles at all. Make sure the doctor you choose is sympathetic to you and Francisco being first time parents and follow your hearts and you will find the right doctor. All the best to you guys.
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