The Baby Doctor
You’ve chosen your partner, your doctor, and where to have your baby. Once your baby arrives you may be so excited to get home and could be hoping to avoid medical settings and instead, stay where you’re comfortable to snuggle with your baby as often as you can. However, with this brand new baby you'll need to be in a medical setting quite often in their first year of life. In fact, your baby will need to see a doctor at least seven times before their first birthday! They need regular checks on weights, measurements, and also get vaccines. That’s not including the occasional illness. With all these visits, you’ll want to choose someone who is a great fit for you AND your baby.
Just in case you're wondering, no it won't be the same doctor that's been taking care of you for the last nine months or more. No, no, no, this baby is getting their very own medical provider for what is called “well-child” check-ups.
Your typical options are a pediatrician, a family practice doctor, or a nurse practitioner. Both family practice doctors and pediatricians are medical doctors. The main difference is that a family practice doctor cares for the whole family at all ages while a pediatrician focuses on babies and children up to the age of 18. A nurse practitioner will have a masters degree in nursing and cares for the whole family.
Most people's primary concern is what is going to be covered by their health insurance. I recommend starting there and researching the options in your area. I would also try talking to your friends and family if they are close by to see if there's someone they trust and would recommend. There's nothing like first hand knowledge from somebody you already feel safe with. Always be sure ask them what it is they love about this doctor. Do their reasons resonate with you or make you want to run for the hills?
Speaking of feeling safe, this is your babies health so you deserve a provider you feel comfortable with. Raising babies into happy healthy adults isn't easy. If your child isn't feeling well or you know something isn't right you want to know you have a provider that listens to you. You can even shop around. Interview them! You don't have to be stuck with the first provider you speak with and can even change your mind along the way and after any amount of visits if you choose! There are tons of fantastic medical providers out there and it may feel a little like dating - Does anyone remember the TV show Next?! That would almost be an easier way of finding the perfect doctor!
My point is, get out there and date…for doctors..you know what I mean.
Typical 12 month well-child appointment schedule
*First 24 hours
1-2 day checkup
3-5 day checkup
1 month checkup
2 month checkup
4 month checkup
6 month checkup
9 month checkup
12 month checkup
