Asking for advice from moms

I am meeting with a Pediatrician tomorrow for a meet & greet.

What kind of questions should I ask?

Here are my thoughts:

- Viewpoint/Opinions of BF and formula?

- When can the baby travel (My Bro is getting married in the Bahamas when the baby will be 3 months old)?

What should I be looking for?

I don't know too much about shots, I need to read up, but I was going to ask for a schedule of when shots need to be administered?

I know I need to feel comfortable with her/him.

I feel clueless!

Re: Asking for advice from moms

Office hours.

How does their emergency service work? My doc's office always has a doctor call back when you call after hours.

If it's a sole practioner what do they do when they are on vacation.

You might want to ask how often they want to see the baby the first year. We went monthly for a while, then every other month, then every 3-4 months, now we're every 6 months.

I asked for a list of basic meds/first aid stuff I should have on hand. I forget everything they said but stuff like gas drops, infant tylenol, gauze pads, etc.

I asked what kind of soap and shampoo do they recommend for infants.

Message edited 2/22/2008 12:44:44 PM.

Re: Asking for advice from moms

Also ask if they are the type of doc to tell you what's next or do you just wing it?

Do they have call in hours?

Is someone from the practice always on call or does it go to a service?
How long should you expect to wait for an appointment?
Do they have a sick and well side?
Will your newborn have to wait in the waiting room for a well visit or go right in?

There was a magazine I got a bunch of ? from, I'll see if I can find it...
ETA

Go with your gut, you'll know when a ped is right for you. I visited 3 and called a bunch and thankfully found mine the day before I went into labor!

Message edited 2/22/2008 12:45:49 PM.

Re: Asking for advice from moms

When I went to mine, I threw some of my different views out there to see how their reactions would be.

I am very disappointed when I look back at how my office handles BFing.

I was in a large group of moms, the drs asked who would be trying BFing?

I was the only yes.

I was the only one handed a cooler filled with formula. Why wasn't I handed breast pads or a coupon to buy a nursing bra? Formula?

Mine were not really flexible on the shot schedule at all. I have since learned that its my choice and they should be.

Its assumed that we would be circumsizing, I was not...the sex was still unknown at that point, so I did not press the issue.

At 14 months old, Josh has never been given a prescribtion for anything. I like that about my office, they will only give medication if the child was seen. You have to sign off on that policy...even if vacationing, they never call in a medication.

Re: Asking for advice from moms

For me, the most important thing was to make sure they were on the same page as me with meds. I am not a fan of antibiotics unless they are ABSOLUTELY necessary. Many of the peds I talked to seemed to prescribe them as a precaution, and I do not believe in that philosophy. I also wanted one who shared my views regarding vaccinations. I split most of them, but do not give them all. Some of them are not really necessary for an infant IMO. DS is not in daycare (Just in case anyone asks).

I also liked the fact that the practice I go to is all moms with infants or toddlers, and they only work part time so they are P/T SAHMs. They understand what it is like to be a mom. I was so glad I went with them b/c when DS went to the hospital earlier this month my Ped made sure to come and see him herself, knowing how frightened DH & I were. She came at 7am on a Sunday even!

Re: Asking for advice from moms

Office hours - if you work.

If it is a group - how long does it take to get a return phone call if I need to speak with a dr - and WHO returns the call a - Nurse, PA, or MD.

Who will see my child if they are sick - a nurse, PA or the M.D.

If a solo - do you have an answering service, how long for a return call if I need to speak with someone.
who covers if you are away, etc.

What is the office policy on medications - are they quick to medicate or will they only give meds when absolutely needed. Important b.c some drs are quick to give antibiotics and other meds when they are not needed.

What hospital are you affiliated with?

What schedule do you follow for shots? 2 shots at a time? Can you split them (if that is important to you).

How hard and how long will I have to wait for an appt is if my child is sick?

How does the office handle sick children - vs healthy (is there a separate waiting area, do they see sick kids in the car, or bring them right into a special room etc.)

How often will you see my child in the first year?

If you plan on BF - you might want to ask if there is any support person if you are having problems like a LC?

Do you encourage parents to call during office hours for none emergency questions?

Re: Asking for advice from moms

Thank you Ladies, I am making a list of questions based on your replies.

I really appreciate your feedback and suggestions.