https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 25 May 2026 11:30:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-pediatrician-1#post-1483391 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 10:42:44 +0000 looch 1483391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The biggest reason why we are using the practice we are now is because of their sick child visit procedures. We are able to get in same day, which is the most important thing for us. </p> <p>And they have an online portal, so I can email the peds, upload and request forms, etc. Super easy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-pediatrician-1#post-1483377 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 10:40:09 +0000 Lozza 1483377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@stine_ciro: I LOVE having a lactation consultant on staff at my peds office (she is also the Nurse Practioner). It was huge for me those first few weeks, and meant I was paying $25 (co-pay) per visit instead of a lot more for a private visit. Several of the practices in my area will have info/meet-the-practice nights once a month or so for new parents- that was a really nice way to get a feel for the practice without the pressure of coming up with questions!<br /> To be honest, I liked just getting to see the offices and get a feel for them. I agree that a lot of questions that I care about (hours, policies, etc.) are often online.<br /> If there's any area of parenting that you are particularly passionate about, or are considering doing "outside the norm," I'd bring that up. Like, if you really want to nurse as long as your child is interested, tandem nurse through pregnancies/other kids, etc., you could say "Hey, what are your recommendations on breastfeeding?" I think pretty much every ped is going to say "yeah, go for it," but if it's super important to you, you might care whether the answer is "Give it a try, but don't worry if it doesn't work out" or "The WHO recommends EBF for 6 months" or "I think it's fantastic and strongly suggest it and want to work with you to make that happen." (And if you know in advance that you are NOT going to nurse, you might want to make sure your ped isn't going to make you feel bad about that). If you plan to co-sleep or do a lot of babywearing, you could ask about that too. I love my pediatricians, but one area where we disagree (which frustrates me) is CIO- at 4 month, she was telling us to let our oldest cry it out, so DH wanted to but I was not ok with that (we did some sleep training a few months later, but I wasn't ready for it that early). You could also ask about their thoughts on vaccination and alternative schedules and such, and not just if you want one- we actively sought out a practice that was not particularly friendly to non-vaccinating families. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-pediatrician-1#post-1482326 Sun, 09 Mar 2014 20:58:14 +0000 dolphin 1482326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In addition to getting all your questions answered I think it's important to make sure you like the vibe and energy of your doc! I like that our pediatrician is a mom and is very personable. There is another doc in the same practice that I did not like at all because he was TOO laid back for my taste. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-pediatrician-1#post-1482310 Sun, 09 Mar 2014 20:48:49 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1482310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lauraeabel: I wasn't sure what questions I should be asking, either. Our peds office had a baby basics class they required all new potential patients (parents?!) attend and I LOVED it. </p> <p>I didn't realize it until I was there, but I am so glad that I love the front staff as much as I love the doctors. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-pediatrician-1#post-1482306 Sun, 09 Mar 2014 20:47:08 +0000 cookiemomster 1482306@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Part of why I'm stumped is this place in particular has a really detailed , well laid out website, so many of my questions were answered there. I still feel like we should go in and actually talk to them, but it's more to get an overall feeling of the place. Just don't want to go in with no questions and feel like I'm wasting their time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-pediatrician-1#post-1482281 Sun, 09 Mar 2014 20:36:14 +0000 Mrs. M 1482281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I asked a few breastfeeding questions (to gauge if she would be supportive), discussed vaccines, and asked about the availability of the nurse hotline. Our office has a detailed website so I also checked out the "get to know the doctors section." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-pediatrician-1#post-1482221 Sun, 09 Mar 2014 20:23:53 +0000 mrs.shinerbock 1482221@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are they part of a larger practice? Who handles issues after hours/weekends/when doc is on vacation? </p> <p>Can you typically get in same day if your child is sick? </p> <p>Do they have lactation consultants on staff? (I don't know how common that is, but I know some of the practices around here have them.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-pediatrician-1#post-1482156 Sun, 09 Mar 2014 20:09:52 +0000 MrsH 1482156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is there something particularly important to you? Vaccines, stance on other issues? I'd ask about those things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-pediatrician-1#post-1482150 Sun, 09 Mar 2014 20:08:06 +0000 cookiemomster 1482150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I'm due in July, but our OB told us we need to start researching pediatrician/family doctors now since she will be our first. Our first appointment with a potential pediatrician in town is tomorrow morning. I'm stumped as to what to ask about or look for. Any suggestions? </p>