Pursuit for the Perfect Pediatrician

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I still remember my firstborn’s baby room: light blue paint with Peter Rabbit border, rocking chair in the corner, brand-new crib with matching accessories.  My time was spent making sure everything was just right.

I had a great time planning everything for my babies first year. In all this fun planning, though, I didn’t save a single thought about his pediatrician.  I didn’t realize at the time how important and stress relieving it is to have a great doctor on hand.  I wish then what I know now.

On your pursuit for a pediatrician, what should you look for?

  • A doctor that shares your parenting style.    Will your doctor make you feel bad for having your child on a schedule or off of one?  Do you share the same views on medication?  (I had a doctor once that firmly believed in NO OTC cold medication. I really just wanted my child to have some relief). It helps to have a doctor that understands your views and parenting style and will work with you as a team member.
  • A friendly staff.  I have been completely miserable from rude, unhelpful, condescending staff even though the doctor was wonderful.  When a mom is in a corner, worried, and loaded down with lack of sleep a snappy receptionist is not what you want.  Make sure the staff take time for your questions, and are polite and respectful to you on the phone.  If not, find a new doctor.  Quick!
  • Wonderful nurses.  Our current doctor has the best nurses.  They are friendly, knowledgeable, and really make my kids feel at ease.  They know how to give shots as painlessly as possible and have really earned my children’s trust.  They are also great about answering my questions over the phone during office hours, and will tell me if my child needs to come in or wait the sickness out.
  • Great after hour care.  When you are in a jam after five or on the weekends, you need to be able to get ahold of your child’s doctor.  Make sure it will be a doctor that you will be able to be in contact with, not a staff member. I still get teary when recalling the time I called my doctor late at night when my child was extremely ill.  He was able to talk to me, calm me down, and get me to the nearest children’s hospital. Having a doctor that was easily available made all the difference.
  • I like small.  In my experience, bigger is not better.  The large office with the front door neatly lined with doctor’s names causes me to cringe.  I avoid these because they tend to be more impersonal, crowded, and filled with stressed out staff.  I much prefer a quiet waiting room with a calm atmosphere.

So, busy momma, take time to carefully pick your pediatrician!  You will be spending a lot of time with this person, and want the best that is out there!

✥What have you learned about finding a great doctor? We would love to learn from your experience!✥

 ❥Tara Dovenbarger

Stephanie Shott
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