How to Select a Pediatrician

Among the dozens of "the most important decisions you'll ever make" about your child, this one deserves your careful attention. Most doctors will want to see your child at 2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months and annually. You and your child will be spending a lot of time with the doctor the first year, and will hopefully continue the relationship through adolescence.

For a newborn, a good place to start looking for a pediatrician is by asking your obstetrician for a referral. He or she will know local pediatricians who are competent and respected within the medical community. Other parents also can recommend pediatricians who have successfully treated their children. In addition, Longview Regional Medical Center has an online physician referral system where you can select a pediatrician based on proximity to your home or work, simply visit www.longviewregional.com/Physicians.

Once you have the names of several pediatricians you wish to consider, arrange a personal interview with each of them (for newborns, do this during the final months of your pregnancy). Most pediatricians routinely grant such preliminary interviews. Both parents should attend these meetings if possible, to be sure you both agree with the pediatrician's policies and philosophy about child rearing. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask any questions.

Click here for a few suggestions to get you started.