Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Pediatrician
So, you've started looking for a pediatrician for your baby. You've asked friends for recommendations, checked which providers accept your insurance, and maybe even scheduled a few prenatal consultations. Now what exactly are you supposed to ask them?
As a birth doula, I encourage my clients to interview pediatricians before their baby arrives. After all, this is someone you'll likely be seeing quite frequently during your baby's first year of life! And while you don't need to show up with a three-page questionnaire, there are a few things worth knowing before making your decision.
I've put together a list of questions you can bring to your pediatrician interviews. You definitely don't need to ask every single one, but choose the ones that matter most to your family.
Newborn Care
When should we schedule our baby's first appointment after birth?
Do you see newborns in the hospital, or will our first appointment be at your office?
Will we see the same pediatrician at every appointment?
What does the typical newborn appointment schedule look like?
How do you approach concerns about newborn weight loss or jaundice?
Breastfeeding & Infant Feeding
What is your approach to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and combination feeding?
Do you have a lactation consultant on staff or someone you refer to?
How do you determine whether a baby is getting enough milk?
Under what circumstances would you recommend supplementation?
How do you assess concerns about tongue ties or lip ties?
What guidance do you provide when it's time to introduce solids?
Office Availability & Emergencies
What are your regular office hours?
Do you offer same-day sick appointments?
Is there an after-hours nurse line or on-call pediatrician?
What should we do if our newborn develops a fever overnight?
Can we communicate with the office through a patient portal?
If you're unavailable, who will care for our baby?
Medical Care & Parenting Preferences
How would you describe your overall philosophy of pediatric care?
How do you involve parents in medical decisions?
How do you approach conversations when parents have questions about recommended treatments?
Do you follow the recommended childhood vaccination schedule, and how do you address vaccine questions?
What is your approach to prescribing antibiotics?
What guidance do you provide on infant sleep and safe sleep practices?
Growth, Development & Additional Support
How do you monitor developmental milestones?
What happens if we have concerns about our baby's development?
How do you approach concerns about reflux, colic, or excessive crying?
Do you refer families to feeding therapists, pediatric physical therapists, or other specialists when needed?
How do you coordinate care if our baby needs to see a specialist?
Insurance & Practice Logistics
Do you accept our insurance?
Are there additional fees we should know about?
Which hospitals are you affiliated with?
How far in advance should we schedule well-child visits?
Do you offer weekend appointments?
A Few Questions to Ask Yourself After the Interview
Now, this part is just as important as the questions you ask the pediatrician! After your consultation, take a minute to reflect:
Did I feel comfortable asking questions?
Did the pediatrician take time to explain their recommendations?
Did I feel heard and respected?
Does this practice seem like a good fit for our family?
Would I feel comfortable reaching out to this provider when I'm concerned about my baby?
Remember, you don't need to find someone who agrees with every parenting decision you make. You want someone who provides evidence-based care, communicates clearly, and makes you feel confident in the care your baby is receiving. And if you're still trying to figure out what to look for in a pediatrician, check out my other blog post, Choosing a Pediatrician? Here's What You Need to Know, where I break down some of the things I think every expecting parent should consider.
Looking for support as you prepare to welcome your baby?
At DoulaDiligence, our team of birth and postpartum doulas supports families throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. From preparing for birth to navigating life with a newborn, we'd love to be part of your village!
