Getting Ready for a Pediatrician Visit

It's one thing when you're going to the doctor for yourself and you want to remember to ask all of your questions. Usually you're in and out of there, and it's for a sinus infection or minor injury that you want to get checked out. God willing you're not at the doctor for anything major and the time spent there is minimal. Enter the child in your life--everything changes! You feel as though you've never spent so much time at a doctor's office. There's so much to think about, so many things to ask about, advice that you want to ask about and it can be overwhelming.

You as a parent of course want the very best for your baby, and part of that is ensuring they are healthy and under the care of a good doctor. Finding a good pediatrician is half the battle and then of course remembering the first year schedule. Then there's the sick visits and before you realize it, the pediatrician's office has become like a second home to you. Much like the OB-GYN office when you were pregnant, you get to know all the people there and it feels familiar. You want to ensure that you get the most out of each visit to the pediatrician, so how do you do that? Here are a couple of things that I've found which work well when my baby girl has to go in for a visit:

*Make your list of questions ahead of time. Sure this sounds simple and obvious, but you'd be surprised in the course of a typical mom day how you forget this one. If you think of things, write them down so that you are sure to cover it with your pediatrician. I personally look at each area of my baby's life and figure out if I have questions in any area--feeding, sleeping, motor skills and development, milestones, and any health concerns. My pediatrician and I now laugh whenever my infamous list comes out, but she appreciates that I have it ready for the visit.

*Be sure that you understand what will happen at each of the scheduled visits. Within the first eighteen months of your baby's life, there are many visits that are required should you be getting them immunizations. Along with the shots are well baby visits and this is not only a great time to ask questions but to make sure that the pediatrician checks over your baby from head to toe. Understand what each immunization is, ask lots of questions, and most importantly understand the side effects that may be involved. I was alarmed when my baby had a relatively high fever the first time, but now I've come to understand why it happens and what I need to do as a mom. Even if you think you're asking too many questions, be sure you are an informed and prepared mom.

*Do what you can to prepare your baby ahead of time. I've learned tips from other moms that makes the visit to the pediatrician a little more bearable. I give my baby a bottle or sippy cup in the waiting room to give her a full tummy and make her a little more comfortable (and hopefully sleepy). I try to plan the pediatrician visit when it's earlier morning so that when we're done I can get my baby girl home for a nap. I also make sure to give my baby a little bit of Tylenol a little bit before her shots. Not only does this help her to take a little nap afterwards, but it makes the whole process a little less painful. You learn little tips that make your baby and you more comfortable.

*If you are going in for a sick visit, be a good patient. The pediatrician have seen a million sick kids, though whatever you are there for is alarming to you. Remember that they are there to help, and this is easy to forget when you are a frantic parent. You may not get to see the doctor that you want, which is why meeting with each doctor at some point in time is a good idea along the way--it gives you that comfort level for the day that you may end up seeing that particular pediatrician. Be sure to understand what they are doing to help your baby, ask questions, and be certain that you know the proper dosage and duration for any medication that is prescribed.

Going to the pediatrician office need not be painful for you or your baby. As a new mom, you are learning a lot everyday and will certainly have some trials and tribulations along the way. If you going into the pediatrician office prepared, it can save you some headache later.