When you find out you’re pregnant, you’ll have lists of things you need to take care of in the months before your little one is born. Alongside the registries, prenatal appointments, and nursery decorating comes a task that requires some advance planning—choosing your little one’s primary care provider.
A primary care provider is a health-care practitioner who will give your baby comprehensive, continuing care as they grow up. While picking your newborn’s provider is a personal decision, here are a few factors to consider.
When Should I Choose My Baby’s Healthcare Provider?
Whether you plan to use a pediatrician (a provider specializing in treating children and young adults), family doctor (a provider who can care for patients of all ages, often seeing various members of a family) or another provider for your bundle of joy, don’t wait until they’re born to choose a provider. In fact, it’s recommended to start looking for your baby’s provider sometime in the second trimester, about 3-4 months before your baby’s due date. We know—this might seem early, but you’ll want to ensure your preferred provider and practice are accepting new patients. Waitlists can be a thing.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Provider for My Newborn?
While there truly are a lot of personal preferences when it comes to picking a provider for your baby, here are some things to think about.
- Word of Mouth: A great starting place when looking for a provider for your little one is to ask around. Your family, friends and neighbors might be able to point you in the direction of a provider or office that has a reputation for excellent care. You can also ask your prenatal provider for recommendations. Your provider may be able to make recommendations based on what they know about you.
- Insurance Coverage: Another good place to start the search for local providers is with your insurance company. Many companies have an online tool that allows you to search for providers who take your health coverage. If you have a provider or office in mind, call them to ensure they accept your insurance before taking any further steps in the process.
- Experience: Not only are there many different types of providers, but their years of experience may range from a few years to decades of practicing health care. While some parents may prefer a provider who has had many years of experience treating patients, others may prefer one who is younger and closer to their current life-stage.
- Training: You may also consider what kind of training different providers have. Titles of providers can provide some info. MDs (Doctor of Medicine) and DOs (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) complete similar medical school training; however, DOs may focus more on holistic health. NPs (Nurse Practitioners) and PAs (Physician’s Assistants) complete high-quality training and can treat and diagnose illnesses. NPs promote health and wellness and often have more appointment availability. Who your baby sees is truly a matter of preference.
- Availability for Care: Different providers and their offices operate in different ways. It’s important to consider whether your and your provider’s schedule will align for well child and any unexpected appointments. For instance, if your working hours aren’t very flexible, it may be important for your provider to have weeknight or evening hours for appointments. You may also consider joining a larger practice where your little one can see another provider if yours isn’t available.
- Location: You and your little one will be seeing a lot of baby’s provider, so location truly is key. Your baby will have several checkups in the first six months of their life, let alone any surprise visits for illnesses or injuries. We recommend finding a conveniently-located provider that makes it easy for your little one to quickly get the care they need. Search for primary care providers for babies and children in the Lancaster area.
- Affiliations with Hospitals: If you have a preferred hospital or emergency room in the area, ask if the provider of your choice is affiliated with the hospital. If your baby’s provider has privileges at the hospital, it will be easier for them to receive updates on your child and provide care.
- Breastfeeding and Lactation Consultants: If you plan to breastfeed, ask the provider how they support breastfeeding. A supportive provider gives encouragement and helps new mamas gain confidence. In the beginning, you will visit your newborn’s provider for weight checks and your provider will let you know how your baby is growing. This can be a great time to discuss breastfeeding and get some support. Some providers have lactation consultants on staff. This is a great resource. Lactation consultants have extensive training and can identify and address breastfeeding issues.
- Communication Style: Understanding how your provider and their office communicates can be a big part of some parents’ choice. For instance, does the office take and return calls in a timely manner? Is there a way to get in touch with someone during off-hours in case of an emergency? Does the provider use email, a messaging system or a portal to communicate? Having peace of mind that you’ll be able to get questions answered quickly can be so helpful for parents of young babies.
- Your Instincts: Last but not least, use your instincts. A mama’s intuition is an important tool for choosing a provider for your child. If something feels “off” about an office or provider you visit, it’s probably best to move on and look somewhere else.
Once you have a short list of providers that you’re considering for your newborn, try to schedule some time to meet with them. Some offices even offer expecting parents a chance to come in, visit the office, and chat with potential providers. You’ll be seeing a lot of the provider you choose during the years to come, so don’t be afraid to ask the questions that will help you feel good about your choice.