Why You Should Find a Pediatrician
90% of my patients at the hospital don’t have a pediatrician (baby doctor) for their infant at discharge.
Did you know that most infants have follow up appointments within 48 hours once discharged home from a hospital? After delivery, you’re just trying to adjust and the last thing you want to do is search for a pediatrician…RIGHT?!? At the hospital families seemed shocked by the follow up dates, especially since the majority of families didn’t think this was necessary. It’s actually really important because the 48 hour follow up with your pediatrician helps YOU and BABY! It’s meant to check your baby’s labs, treat if necessary and to see how you all are adjusting. I had a family say, “I was busy planning for everything else and completely forgot I needed a pediatrician for my baby”.
One of the most valuable things you can do during your pregnancy to decrease stress and prepare for your baby is to research and find a pediatrician.
TIPS on how to find a pediatrician:
1. Ask family and friends who their pediatrician is and why they chose that doctor
2. Find a pediatrician who is in your insurance network
3. Proximity to your home and/or work is important
4. Choose a pediatrician you trust, remember you might invest in this doctor for 18 years or longer. I know families that interviewed doctors, so know that you have that option too.
Unique Footprints Author:
Jenny Morrow, RN, IBCLC, LCCE, RYT
Jenny is a mom, neonatal nurse and founder of Unique Footprints (online pregnancy and early motherhood courses). She created her company in the delivery room – literally! As a nurse assisting with deliveries and postpartum care, she directly witnessed families who did not feel prepared and were shocked through the transition into parenthood, and she knew there was a better way. Jenny has taught over 10,000 expecting families how to prepare for this time in their lives.
From the Unique Footprints editorial team and Jenny Morrow, founder of Unique Footprints. Unique Footprints follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources from ACOG, the American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, the U.S. Surgeon Guidelines and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The UF TEAM also thoroughly researches peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Unique Footprints is endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.