[brooklyn_girl]

I read something recently that said expectant parents should start interviewing pediatricians when they are in their last trimester. Would love to hear from you all regarding whether I should start meeting with ped's to choose one before our baby arrives. I was not planning on doing this until we bring baby home successfully, but on the other hand it occurs to me that it might be nice to have someone to call for a consultation if the baby has health issues at birth.

Any thoughts are appreciated!

[loveajax]

I think it's a great idea to have a pediatrician lined up. We met with our DD's ped before she was born and explained the situation. I also ran a question by her about a potential "concern" I had about a bio grandparent's illness and whether that was hereditary. She was soooooo nice (she was my nieces' and nephews' ped as well) and I felt comfortable right away bringing DD there for her first appointments. I was looking thru our files the other day and I was reading the "updates" that the ped's office would give to our agency (for our post placement stuff). I think they thought they had to "sell" us as the baby's parents, but the stuff they said was so wonderful...really cherish it.

Good luck with everything!!!

[Stormster]

We had ours picked but don't rely on them when you are out of state. We did and it didn't go well....having not ever met the baby they were really unwilling (and unable) to give good advice and we were in an emergency situation!

I suggest doing so now. Think about what is important to you, ie delayed vaxing, not abusing anti biotics, wholistic edge, whatever....

And find the BEST baby's hospital near where you will be (wait are you going to be out of State? I forgot) TATTOO the address, directions and program into your GPS.

You don't want to end up at an unspecialized hospital with a newborn! TRUST!

I'm excited for you!

[becky]

Definitely pick someone before you leave. I would imagine as soon as you get home you will want the baby to see your doctor...so it's best to have that lined up and ready!

[Steph-Jason]

We interviewed 1 & she's who we went with! We were all set to interview several- I think I had a list of about 10 from my insurance carrier. We met with M's ped on a Wed & I really liked her.She was about 7 mo pregnant & I knew I could ask her things mom to mom. Then on Saturday we got the call & were out of state for awhile. When we got back I wanted to set up a newborn appt so I figured I'd interview the others then. I had a really hard time getting in to see the next 2 on the list & one was reallllly mean & unsupportive of the adoption. Because of that I just decided to go with the 1st one we interviewed. I'm so glad we did. M has a very special connection with her ped & just loves her. I even email M's pics to her & I'm always able to call their office for questions- from feeing advice to car seat rec... pretty much aything. Whenever I got for checkups for M her ped & I usually talk for about an hour & she never makes me feel rushed or like I shouldn't be asking questions. I agree with Storm- figure out what's important to you now. Also- our agency gave me a list of questions to ask ped's- things like which hosp they're with, their oncall policies, things like that. That really helped too. From what I've also heard it's not uncommon for new parents to switch peds once the baby is born because they just don't feel like the baby & the ped have that connection. When we decided to def go with out ped I knew this was most likely going to be M's doc during her entire childhood so it was also important to me to know that his was someone I'd feel comfortable with for that long.

[sbaglio]

We had a pediatrician lined up several weeks before our daughter was placed with us. We used a doc our good friends used for their son's care. We didn't interview the doc (went on the recommendation), but I wish we had. We ended up firing her for many issues I've discussed before on a.com. Having to find a pediatrician when you are back home and likely stressed out, will not be a good situation to be in.

Good luck!

[binkybear]

I would def. have a pediatrician picked and even meet with prior to baby coming home. At least call the office to be sure they're taking new patients and see if they can send you the new patient paperwork so you can have set to go once you're home.

We already had a relationship with our pedi because of my nannying my niece. Both hub and I met her several times and talked about our adoption plans. I was able to call her for info regarding specific situations, she was/is great.

Most times an infant is to see a doctor 24-48 hours after release from hosptial. We were home on a Saturday so we were at the office Monday morning, it was an agency requirement as well. If nothing else does your primary see children? Our primary is a family care practice so if needed for some reason we could always utilize.

Good Luck!!

[JLW99]

You should have a pediatrician picked out, at the very least. Most understand the uncertainties of adoption, and just tell you to call when the baby is in your custody and they'll book an appointment that very day if necessary. Some parents interview pediatricians prior to choosing them, some don't. You can always switch doctors if you don't like them---you're not bound together for life Some pediatricians will charge a nominal to not-so-nominal fee for this, others won't. Make sure you ask before you make the appointment so you don't get an unpleasant surprise

[maddie036]

Yup, we have our pediatrician picked out too. I had started to ask around as we were working on our application and homestudy. I went to the practice's open house, and she actually met with me one more time to discuss the specifics of a potential situation when there was alcohol/marijuana use by the EM.

One less thing to worry about, and they can be a resource for you before the baby is place with you.

Good luck!

[Amber76]

We had our pediatrician picked out before too. And it was a good thing since DS was in the NICU for a week and they wanted the name and phone number of the pediatrician who would provide his follow up care before they would release him from the hospital! (He didn't really even need any follow up, but it was a requirement from the hospital that we have someone lined up just in case.) Of course, choosing was easy for us since there are only a few pediatricians in our area and all of our friends and my sister use the same one:-)

[LeighM]

our situation was a bit different since we planned to adopt through foster care. I wanted a Dr who had experience with exposure to druges.

Our Dr is wonderful in every way possible. We ended up switching our boys to his practice. My oldest son is now 18 and I asked him if he wanted to switch from a Ped Dr to a family practice. My son stated that he didn't want to switch unless our insurance makes him.

I was glad I took the time for find just the right Dr for all my kids.

[mumofone]

Coming from an area where you can't get a pediatrician without a referral, (Canada) I'd say, if you can pick one prior to the birth, do it. Don't wait until you have to have one.

My youngest son was referred to a pediatrician at birth...born early with some problems. While I liked the pediatrician as a person, I couldn't work with him as a doctor. I needed someone who was going to advocate for my son...and he just wasn't it.

I asked my older son's pediatrician if he'd take my youngest on, and he agreed. This guy is amazing. He has gone above and beyond for my son, and I've been able to access the help he needs.

So, find one ahead of time...someone you can trust. If I'd been able to do this from the start, I would have. The pediatrician was chosen for us, and then we switched.

[Merdie]

Agree with pp's who say to chose a pediatrician. We actually went to our Dr.'s office "new parent" class three weeks before DD was born. We just explained our situation and they had us call them the day of discharge and we were seen the next day. Of all things to have ready to go this is an important one. You don't want to just see whoever in this case.

[brooklyn_girl]

Thanks everyone! Sounds like I need to get with the program!