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My Baby’s Pediatrician is My Best Friend

Written by ARC Mom, June Dung My Lien

When my one-year-old is sick, my baby’s pediatrician is quite literally my best friend. Being a mom and caring for a tiny human is hard work, especially with a sick baby. When sleep deprived, concerned and worried, the support of my baby’s pediatrician is always an absolute must.

As a mom, one of the most important members of your support team is a pediatrician you can count on. If you need to fill that important spot on your team, here are a few tips from Dr. Knema Rezaei Bazazizad (Razaei), a pediatrician at Austin Regional Clinic:

What’s Important to You?

Before you search for a pediatrician, think about the things that are important to you. For instance, if you are a first-time mom adamant about breastfeeding your baby, you will want to find a pediatrician who is supportive. Some other things to consider:

  • Do you prefer a male or a female doctor for your baby?
  • Does the doctor need to be “in network” for your insurance coverage?
  • Does the doctor offer after-hours visits, same-day appointment availability, and an all-night emergency contact?

How To Find a Pediatrician

Start your search for a pediatrician by asking family members and friends you trust for a recommendation. Then ask “What do you specifically like about the doctor?”

“This will give you insight into the pediatrician’s strengths and can help you decide if you want to meet the doctor in person,” suggests Dr. Rezaei. He advises moms to find a pediatrician with an office nearby. Proximity is key if you ever have an urgent need.

Meet the Pediatrician and Ask Questions

Most clinics have prenatal meet and greet meetings or the option to schedule a 1-on-1 prenatal visit. Visiting a doctor for a face-to-face meeting will give you the opportunity to ask questions about issues that are important to you:

  • What is your philosophy regarding the care of children?
  • What are your thoughts about: breastfeeding, circumcision, vaccinations, alternative medicine, home remedies, sleep, discipline issues, etc.?

Also, check if the doctor is board-certified in pediatrics. This means the pediatrician has passed a series of rigorous exams, and must retake them regularly to maintain certification.

Partner with the Pediatrician

After you pick a pediatrician, scheduling well check visits and keeping your child up-to-date on immunizations is the best way to advocate for your child’s health. During every well-check visit with my baby’s pediatrician, we review growth charts to ensure milestones like height, weight, and social skills are progressing as expected.

“Most advocating takes place outside the doctor’s office. On a daily basis, parents should be mindful about their child’s diet, schedule, routines, and development. Then, during visits, you can provide information about your child so that a health assessment can be made,” says Dr. Rezaei.

Connecting with the Pediatrician

Does your pediatrician enjoy being with you and your child? During visits with my baby’s pediatrician, I love watching the connection between the two of them. When concerns arise about my child’s health, I continually feel validated and reassured by our pediatrician.

“I chose a career in pediatrics because it’s all about the relationships. I took care of a newborn early on in my training. I got to share the joy of watching that child grow and develop during the first few years of life,” says Dr. Knema Rezaei Bazazizad (Razaei).

With the right pediatrician, the times of intense worry that come with caring for a sick child will be eased with the support you want and need. Good luck, Mommas!

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