THE PRENATAL VISIT
Choosing a pediatrician before your
baby is born has many advantages. This early visit will give you
a chance to interview your baby’s prospective pediatrician and see
if you are comfortable with his or her style of practice as well as
the practice itself. After all, you’ll be establishing the beginning
of a long relationship. You don’t want to find out at your first
office visit, with a crying baby, that you have made a mistake. Before
the baby is born, things will generally be calmer and you can focus
on asking questions about preparing for your baby’s arrival and learn
about what to expect during and after delivery. Knowing what to expect
can do wonders to ease the mind of first time parents and make those
first few days less stressful. The prenatal visit also gives the
pediatrician a chance to provide you with information about breastfeeding,
circumcision and safety issues so you can plan accordingly. Here
are some things you should discuss with your baby’s pediatrician .
. .
GENERAL OFFICE ISSUES:
PEDIATRICIAN RELATED ISSUES:
BABY RELATED ISSUES (BEFORE BIRTH):
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Health issues of the mother that may affect the baby
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Breast vs. bottle feeding
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Daycare vs. homecare
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Cloth vs. plastic diapers
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Siblings
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Pets
BABY RELATED ISSUES (IN THE HOSPTIAL):
BABY RELATED ISSUES (GOING HOME):
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Feeding, stooling and voiding
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Bathing and cord care
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Car seats
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Sleep position
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Pacifiers
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Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
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When to call the pediatrician
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Routine visit schedule
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Immunization schedule
