Pediatrician – Check!
15 Jun 2012 Leave a Comment
I am happy to say that Dan and I have found a pediatrician for Freckle who we feel is the perfect fit.
I spent quite a bit of time looking over a list of local pediatricians my obstetrician provided. I went to every website, went through each webpage learning what their hours are, how much education they have, how many years of experience, if they offer drop-ins, 24 hr. phone service to speak with a nurse, etc. After I narrowed my search down to 3 doctors, I went onto Yelp and looked up their names to see what other parents have to say about them. One doctor, in particular, had nothing but raving reviews. In fact, his entire staff had numerous positive reviews. So I called to set a consultation appointment and Dan and I were able to meet with him this morning.
Upon meeting him, he seemed very nice. He gave us a short tour around the office before we went into his office to talk. I didn’t have many questions for him, to be honest. The few questions I did have for him, I felt he answered them very confidently and honestly. He seems very smart and I like that he empowers parents to make their own decisions on what we want to do with our child and supporting the parents’ decision.
I know there are many pediatricians who are just so hardcore about how mothers *must* breastfeed. He said he’s very pro-breastfeeding, of course, but understands that it may not be for everyone for many reasons. Whether it’s because it has become physically impossible, because it’s not feasible with the mother’s job, or because she just plain doesn’t want to. He said he’ll support the mother whatever she decides.
I also asked what his thoughts are regarding circumcisions, and I liked that he felt it’s a very personal decision and besides it being a rite of passage, that there are also benefits to it being done.
His thoughts about antibiotics and immunization are on par to the way Dan and I feel about them. In fact, his sub-specialty is infectious diseases, so he is especially knowledgeable in the area.
After taking up 30 minutes of the doctor’s time, I felt like we found the doctor of Freckle. Dan also felt the same way, which is great because he is really good at reading people.
I am so happy to have this checked off our to-do list. It feels so weird “interviewing” doctors. I don’t recall my parents ever doing that in the 80’s for me and my siblings. We just went with whoever is in-network and is closest to our home. But I’m very glad we met with this doctor before Freckle’s birth. It gives me peace of mind knowing that there’s a caring, knowledgeable doctor ready for Freckle as soon as he is born.
