when do i look for a pediatrician?

[sarack]

should I be asking for recs now? would my ob have a list of recs? anyone live in my area (most of you know where I live) know of any docs around here?

[ashleyp728]

I can't suggest anyone, but I know my OB gave me a whole packet at my first appointment, among that was a list of pediatrician's in that area. Unfortunately, I won't be using that list because I am a little too far, but I am sure your OB can suggest someone or a few options.

[7costanza]

My OB has a list he provides of pediatricians near his office, but we are going to look closer to home. I know Swedish offers a meet and greet at various locations, that might be a good way to find one.

[catbus]

Ditto @lauralynne that you don't necessarily need to take the babies to a pediatrician. E and I see the same doctor, a family practice physician. So many people thing babies need to see a pedi, and one friend of mine actually specifically chose a pedi because she wanted to ensure her baby's doctor is up on the latest research. Yet her DD's pedi recommended starting rice cereal at four months, while my family physician recommended six months and no cereal (just one example).

I love that we both see the same doctor. She has a very holistic view of us.

[jennlin]

you can start looking whenever you want..but you don't need to "book" your pediatrician until after you actually give birth (newborns get priority, and they'll fit you in). your first appointment i think is between 2-4 days old.

[georgeharrison]

I would definitely have a good idea of who you'd like to use before you are due. I was totally dumb about this kind of stuff when Tman was born, and my hospital wouldn't release us without the name of the dr. that Tman was going to be seeing (this may be because he had blood sugar issues, not sure if this is always the case). I had done zero research and just ended up with someone that the hospital pulled up on a list. He smelled like BO and we ended up switching after a few months.

I have a FABULOUS rec in Federal Way, but that's probably too far for you. Let me know if you'd like the info.

ETA:  We didn't switch because he had BO, there were other, legitimate reasons. 

[sarack]

Mar 27, 2013 9:21:14 GMT -5 georgeharrison said:

I would definitely have a good idea of who you'd like to use before you are due. I was totally dumb about this kind of stuff when Tman was born, and my hospital wouldn't release us without the name of the dr. that Tman was going to be seeing (this may be because he had blood sugar issues, not sure if this is always the case). I had done zero research and just ended up with someone that the hospital pulled up on a list. He smelled like BO and we ended up switching after a few months.

I have a FABULOUS rec in Federal Way, but that's probably too far for you. Let me know if you'd like the info.

ETA:  We didn't switch because he had BO, there were other, legitimate reasons. 

thank you! but yes, it's too far away. I would prefer to stay somewhere in kent/renton/tukwila if possible.

[picksthemusic]

We just went to our nearest Pediatric Associates clinic and interviewed a doctor whose profile I liked online. We met with him when I was about 26 or 30 weeks, I think? We just asked some general questions and loved him. The thing that sealed the deal for us was when he told us, "Just remember that this is supposed to be fun," about being a parent. I truly adore our pedi, and M really likes him and trusts him, too, which is nice.

[jennlin]

Mar 27, 2013 9:21:14 GMT -5 georgeharrison said:

ETA:  We didn't switch because he had BO, there were other, legitimate reasons. 

i think BO is a legitimate reason to switch. if a dr can't practice good hygiene, i don't want him touching my kids.