Many parents start their search for the right pediatric services a few weeks before the baby is due. However, choosing a healthcare practice is difficult, and you should ideally have settled on one during your pregnancy.
Once your child is born, the pediatrician will help them through their immunizations and take care of their overall health. But it can be hard to trust someone implicitly when it comes to your baby. That’s why we’ve compiled a handy guide to help you find the right healthcare practice for you and your baby.
When the search should begin
It’s best if you start researching while you’re still pregnant. Experts believe that the ideal time is between 28 to 34 weeks. Once the baby is born, there are going to be too many things going on for you to be Googling healthcare professionals. That’s why you need to tick finding a healthcare practice off the list.
A study found that babies who had the same pediatrician for the first six months of their life were twice as likely to get referred for and receive the tests they need before they turn two. This has major implications for your child’s long-term health, and may allow their doctor to spot potential issues early.
Researching healthcare practices
It may seem like a daunting task, but remember that all you’re trying to do is find the healthcare professionals that are best for you and your baby. Here’s how you should research healthcare practices:
- Ask for references: Different people have different reasons for picking their pediatric services. Get coworkers and close friends’ recommendations, but remember that the final decision is yours. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has also developed a tool to find and research pediatricians and specialists.
- Check whether the organization’s pediatricians are board-certified: This means that the person in question has completed a residency in pediatrics. If the pediatrician is an AAP member, it guarantees that they adhere to the Academy’s policies and guidelines. If they have the letters FAAP after their name, it means they’re both board-certified and belong to the AAP.
- Find out which healthcare providers are covered by your insurance: Provider lists often change, so it’s best to be sure to avoid any unnecessary costs down the line.
Finalizing your pick
Schedule meetings with healthcare providers you’ve narrowed the list down to. Getting face-to-face time is vital to see whether they’re right for you and your baby. These are called prenatal visits.
During these prenatal visits, find out whether the pediatrician and nurses agree with your choices, or at least respect them. For instance, since the AAP recommends exclusively breastfeeding newborn babies for the first six months, many pediatric healthcare providers feel they need to continuously press this topic. However, you should make your view known and stick to it.
It’s also important that you feel comfortable with the healthcare professionals you’re trusting with your child. If you don’t click with them, it’s always best to go with your gut feeling.
A thru Z Pediatrics has got you covered with reliable Pediatrician in San Antonio or Stone Oak for your newborn baby. We offer urgent care and pediatric physicals in Stone Oak and San Antonio to ensure your child’s health and well-being. Contact us today to learn more about Choosing Pediatrician for your unborn child.