With my first daughter, I was assigned a pediatrician who had the smallest patient load. That’s who the HMO gave me so that’s who I took. Little did I know that one of the reasons she had the smallest patient load was because no one liked her. Before my oldest turned one, we found a new pediatrician, and learned a valuable lesson.
I found my current pediatrician by interviewing her. Yes, they gave me a hard time because interviews are not covered by your insurance. But when the pediatrician heard that a parent was asking for five or ten minutes of her time, she was more than happy to oblige and that was that. But I’m always saddened and a little surprised to hear that others don’t have the same experience.
Your Pediatrician is Your Partner
You are responsible for your child’s health. Your pediatrician is hired by you, to help you, but ultimately you are responsible. This is an important concept for parents to get because it changes the dynamic of the visit when you think something is wrong.
While your pediatrician is the medical expert, it is you who know your child. Therefore, your ability to get along and trust your pediatrician’s opinion is key. If your pediatrician treats you as a valued partner in the health care of your child, then the two of you can work together should your baby miss mile stones.
Getting Your Diagnosis
There are several disorders where early diagnosis is key. So many times, moms see a red flag but brush it off because the pediatrician did. But as my pediatrician often says, a mother’s intuition is worth its weight in gold. So if you have the nagging feeling that something isn’t right. . .pursue it.
This topic came up specifically as a result of a discussion on autism in the forums and missing developmental markers. Look for my next blog, which will be a series of questions to ask to help you pursue getting your child’s diagnosis.
Related Articles:
Is Your Pediatrician Breastfeeding Friendly?
Finding Out Your Baby Has Special Needs
FDA Issues Warning for Rotavirus Vaccine