From the time you find out that you are carrying a child in your womb, you start making important decisions for that tiny life from his or her name to all the baby essentials that come to mind. And while each person has a distinct parenting style, one thing remains the same: You are going to visit a doctor for your baby and you are going to do it often, well at least mostly during the first year of your child.
To make sure that your newborn is as healthy as possible, you will want to seek the best pediatrician to attend to your baby. A pediatrician specializes in promoting the physical well-being of children and the treatment of their diseases.
In Canada, 30% to 40% of kids’ medical consultations are to a pediatrician. Others go to family doctors for check-ups. According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, there are only around 2300 active pediatricians in Canada. That means not all Canadian children receive specific pediatric care.
In fact in British Columbia and other areas outside major metropolitan areas in Canada, children are usually brought to family doctors first. Meanwhile, Canadians in Ottawa, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Quebec regularly visit pediatricians for their children’s primary care needs. Despite this, the fact remains that having a trusted pediatrician will make a difference in ensuring that your child is physically fit.
When should you find a doctor for your newborn baby?
If you are an expecting mother, it is recommended that you find a pediatrician three months before your scheduled delivery date. Three months will give you enough time to look for a doctor. Babies do not always come exactly on their due dates. Sometimes they will come early, so it is better to have a three-month period to look for the right physician.
You must have the name and contact number of your doctor so that you can call him or her while you are in labor. Remember, the pediatrician has to be there within 24 hours after you deliver your child to conduct the initial examination for newborns.
If you do not have someone in mind yet, here are some things to consider when choosing a pediatrician for your baby:
1. Check if the doctor’s clinic is nearby. Consider the proximity of your child’s doctor if you are looking for one. In the first year, you are most likely to do more than a couple of trips to the doctor. Commonly, you have to schedule a consultation once every two to three months, depending on the health of your kid. It will save you time and energy if you choose a doctor whose clinic is close to your home, office, or the school/daycare that you are planning to enroll your child in. This becomes even more crucial if you do not have a car. Find a clinic that can easily be accessed even if you use public transport.
2. Ask around for referrals. You have to find a doctor you can trust. A reliable doctor is bound to have a roster of clients and patients ready to offer a recommendation or “seal of approval”. Ask your family and friends if they can refer you to a doctor they know. Since they already have previous experiences regarding the service of the pediatrician, you can avoid committing trial and error judgments when looking for your child’s physician. You can also ask for recommendations from your Ob-gyne. Your Ob-gyne is your go-to person throughout your pregnancy so you can trust his or her insight on finding the right doctor.
3. Find a doctor that you can afford. Does this particular doctor accept your insurance? If you are not covered by public health care or any insurance, can you afford the consultation fee? Research about the cost of having a check-up with the doctor on your shortlist. If you find that personally visiting a doctor at a clinic is expensive for you, another option is consulting an online doctor Vancouver. Online clinics offer fast, reliable, and inexpensive means to get your child or any family member treated.
4. Make sure that the doctor is available. Check the schedule of the doctor or the opening hours of his or her clinic. Does the pediatrician’s clinic open on the weekends or until the evening? Are the doctor’s clinic hours in line with your vacant hours? Does he or she accept last-minute schedules or same-day appointments? There is nothing more frustrating than not having a doctor to go to when your child needs immediate care the most.
5. When looking for a doctor, find one with credentials and years of service. Your pediatrician must have a state license, must finish his or her residency program, and must complete medical school. A pediatrician who has a board certification is worth keeping. Not all doctors are board-certified. Board certification would mean that the physician took up additional training and passed an examination for board certification.
Your child’s health is your priority. Don’t wait long. Start looking for a pediatrician for your new baby soon. Click here I will give you some tips for finding an online doctor for your baby.
