How to Choose the Right Pediatrician During Pregnancy: 4 Key Factors to Consider

Did you know that choosing a pediatrician is a thing that usually encouraged during pregnancy? Many hospitals prefer you to have an office or doctor's name picked out before you leave with your new bundle. This has to do with your baby needing a checkup within a few days of arriving home for things like blood sugar, weight gain, and feeding abilities. If you start to take a look around, chances are there are many offices near you, and choosing one can feel overwhelming! Of course you can ask any mama friends for their input, but I encourage you to take suggestions with a grain of salt and always be aware of your own personal preferences and comfort levels. Here are a few things you can consider. (Oh, and definitely call around and ask for a tour - green flags handed out to offices that welcome this!)

1. Office Location & Hours

Convenience matters when you have a newborn or a sick child. Consider the pediatrician’s office location in relation to your home, daycare, or workplace. A nearby office can make it easier to attend regular checkups and handle unexpected sick visits without too much travel stress. The less added stress, the better!

Also, check their office hours. Do they offer evening or weekend appointments? Are they open on holidays? Having flexible scheduling options can be a game-changer for when the unexpected comes up, like a symptom you want to get checked out right away.

2. Philosophy & Approach to Care

Every pediatrician has their own medical philosophy, and it’s important to find one whose approach aligns with your parenting values. Some key topics to consider include:

• Vaccination schedule – Do they follow CDC and AAP guidelines? Do they have thoughts or procedures for when parents request alternate vaccine schedules?

• Antibiotic use – Are they quick to prescribe, or do they take a more conservative approach?

• Breastfeeding & formula support – Are they knowledgeable about lactation and feeding challenges? Are they comfortable supporting and guiding a variety of feeding approaches (breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or a combination of these?)

• Sleep training & developmental milestones – Do they support your preferred sleep strategies and growth expectations?

Having open conversations with your potential pediatrician about these topics can help you determine if they are a good fit for your family’s needs.

3. Availability & Accessibility

When your baby is sick, you want a pediatrician who is easy to reach. Ask about their policies on:

• Same-day sick visits – How quickly can you get an appointment when your child is unwell?

• After-hours care – Is there a nurse hotline or an on-call doctor for urgent questions?

• Telehealth options – Can you schedule virtual appointments for minor concerns?

• Weighing/feeding-specific appointments -- do they offer these types of visits in case there are multiple adjustments that need to be made in the early weeks and months?

These factors can make a big difference in your experience, especially in the first year of your baby’s life.

4. Hospital Affiliation & Emergency Care

In case of an emergency or a hospital stay, it’s important to know which hospital your pediatrician is affiliated with. This can be crucial for continuity of care, as they will be able to coordinate directly with the hospital’s team.

Additionally, ask about their process for referring patients to specialists. If your baby ever needs to see a pediatric specialist, you’ll want a pediatrician who has strong connections within the medical community. Consider connections with developmental, allergy, and feeding specialists, for example.

Final Thoughts

Selecting a pediatrician is a personal decision, and it’s okay to take your time researching and interviewing potential candidates. Many pediatricians offer free meet-and-greet sessions where you can ask questions and get a feel for their practice.

By considering office location, care philosophy, availability, and hospital affiliations, you’ll be well on your way to finding a pediatrician who meets your family’s needs.

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Disclaimer: Content provided by mighty mOThers, LLC is informational in intent, and is not meant to replace or contradict guidance provided by your personal doctor, therapist, or other healthcare practitioner. Please contact your healthcare provider or schedule a 1:1 evaluation with an OT with specific concerns, and call 911 if you are having a physical or mental health emergency.