What pediatrician you choose is a big deal. Some treat every ear inflammation with antibiotics. Others pressure parents into vaccinating their children. Yet others will let a fever run its course without treatment. Whatever camp you’re in is fine, just make sure your pediatrician is in the same one. Here are 10 questions we came up with when interviewing potential pediatricians. If you’d like to know more about why we asked these questions, please feel free to comment.
Pediatrician Interview Questions:
- Do you follow the recommended vaccination schedule? If so, are you flexible if we choose to do otherwise?
- What is your theory regarding antibiotic use to treat infections?
- At what temperature do you treat a fever?
- How do you feel about a fever burning itself out?
- At what point do you treat jaundice and how?
- What is your philosophy on breastfeeding?
- At what age do you recommend the eating of solids?
- What is your philosophy on intact boys? How do you handle retraction?
- If my baby gets sick in the middle of the night and I have questions, how should I handle it?
- If toddler is ill, can he or she be seen that day?
Buie Family said
Would it be possible for YOU to answer these questions as if you were a Pediatrician? A few of these I have never thought about before and I was wondering what your answer would be to them. We’re due in another month!
Thank you.
Lisa said
Hi Jill! Congratulations on your pregnancy! Thank you for your question. While I do not have a medical background, I have researched enough to be of a more natural persuasion in regards to prevention and treatment. Here are some thoughts as they correspond to each question above.
1. Vaccinations — Some peds want to give multiple vaccinations per visit. It is thought in doing so, they overload the baby’s system and can cause adverse reactions (high fever, etc.). Our ped recommended 3 per visit, but said that he would only do 1 per visit if we requested it.
2. Antibiotics — We wanted a ped who would use these as a last resort. Ear infections, for example, can often be combated with chiropractic care!
3. & 4. Fever — Fevers serve a purpose and it is often okay for them to run their course. Our ped treats them at 103 or earlier if the child is exhibiting abnormal signs that could signal something of concern. He welcomes our phone calls and advises us over the phone.
5. Jaundice — Our baby had jaundice, but he was not “treated.” Instead, we took him back to the ped 2 days later to be checked again and the ped said he was fine.
6. Breastfeeding — We wanted a ped who would support it for AT LEAST one year.
7. Solids — Not before 6 months
8. Circumcision — This was an absolute deal breaker! Our potential ped had to support intact boys and not attempt to retract. See http://naturalchristianparenting.com/2008/01/16/circumcision/
9. Middle of night — Our ped wanted us to call the office which gives us his home phone. Pretty impressive.
10. Ill toddler — Yes! An ill toddler should always be able to be seen the day you call. If that isn’t a reality, the office is too big.
I hope these thoughts help! Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any more questions! Best wishes for a speedy and safe delivery. God bless!