Choosing a pediatrician is a top concern for new parents. After the baby arrives, life becomes hectic in the most beautiful way. Establishing a relationship with a pediatric practice prior to this life changing event is key. Scoopcharlotte interviewed Dr. Anna Schmelzer at Carolinas HealthCare System’sCharlotte Pediatric Clinic to find out what to expect from pediatric care.
I found out I’m supposed to pick a pediatrician prior to my child’s birth. What is the process for this? Interview? Appointment?
You’re going to spend a lot of time with your pediatrician in the first months of your baby’s life so it’s important to make sure it’s a good fit! The best place to start is by asking friends, family, or coworkers who already have children where they take them for medical care. Your obstetricians can be a resource as well. If you hear a few names over and over, contact the practice directly, ask if they are accepting new patients and what their process is for establishing the baby as a patient. Each practice differs in what they offer potential patients. At Charlotte Pediatric Clinic, we have a class called “Building Blocks†which expectant parents can attend. One of our nurses meets with the parents in a group setting and reviews general information about the practice. Our lactation consultant and one of the physicians also attend these classes and answer any specific questions parents have. Call the practice you’re interested in and they’ll tell you what their specific process is.
If my baby does get sick, can I get seen the same day? Do I call the office? What if its after hours? Weekends?
Again, these are good questions to ask prospective practices. We do all we can to see patients the same day at Charlotte Pediatric Clinic. Additionally, we see patients both Saturday and Sunday mornings at our main office in the South Park area. After hours there is a nurse triage line that directs you to a nurse to answer questions and gather information to help come up with a plan of care. Carolinas HealthCare System has three children’s Urgent Care Clinics just for pediatric patients located in Cotswold, Blakeney and Monroe. They are staffed with pediatric trained providers and are great options for after-hours care if your doctor is not available. And if your child is experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury, the pediatric emergency department at Levine Children’s Hospital is open 24 hours a day, ready to care for any emergency that your child is facing
Does the pediatrician have a nurse I can call to ask questions. I feel like I’m going to have A LOT of questions.
That varies by practice as well. Most practices have a nurse triage line that either connects you to a nurse to answer questions or pass along information to the doctor. I encourage all of my patients to come in with a written list of questions and during the examination we “run the list†and I answer all questions they may have.
Can you recommend a book or website on child development, health, sleep, nutrition...
Healthychildren.org is a wonderful resource provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) which is the primary organization pediatricians look to for guidelines on the current standard-of-care for children. It is specifically written for parents and organized into an “Ages and Stages†format to easily navigate through topics related to your child’s current age. Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality written by Laura A. Jana MD FAAP and Jennifer Shu, MD FAAP is a great book full of practical advice like how to cut a baby’s fingernails or how to bathe a baby.
Heading Home with A Newborn
Will the pediatrician come to the hospital to examine my child at birth?
A newborn is seen by a pediatrician at least twice during their hospital stay: once for an admission exam and again for a discharge exam. If a patient is there for more than two days, a physician examines the baby each day he or she is there. Most pediatric groups see the newborn babies that are coming to their practice in the hospital. Either the specific physician you have named will come personally or a member of the practice. A few practices utilize the “nursery team†composed of physicians or mid-level providers (i.e. nurse practitioner or physician assistant) to perform these exams for them.
Will my pediatrician help me decide on breastfeeding vs bottle feeding? Do I need a lactation consultant? Are there classes? Any advice for me on what I know is sometimes a challenging process for a new mother?
There is no question that breastfeeding is the single best source of nutrition for infants. It has numerous medical benefits, provides maternal bonding, and is a financial consideration in light of the cost of formula. Some new mothers find it easy, for others it can be very stressful. There are many resources to help mothers prepare prior to the baby’s birth and of course afterwards. Most hospitals offer prenatal classes focused on breastfeeding, which can be really helpful. Very soon after you deliver your baby your nurses will help you breastfeed your baby. Lactation consultants will visit you while you’re in the hospital to help with latch and positioning. Definitely take advantage of them, they’re a great resource.
The pediatrician also provides breastfeeding support and information. Many new parents don’t realize that it’s normal for newborns to lose weight initially, especially if exclusively breastfed. The pediatrician helps parents understand what to expect both in general and any specifics based on the baby’s physical exam.
The first few days of an infant’s life are pretty dramatic! From birth to breathing on their own, to seeing bright lights and hearing loud noises there’s a lot of change happening for them (and you!). Most infants have been discharged to home by day two or three so having a lactation consultant to see once you’re home from the hospital is also very helpful. Our practice has three consultants and we strive to schedule all nursing mothers with them. They are available for any breastfeeding problems or questions that arise along the way, helping mothers make a plan for pumping/going back to work, and weaning plans. Whether nursing is the plan or the mother desires formula from birth, we will provide the support you need.
Does the pediatrician perform the circumcision? Or the Ob/Gyn?
This varies regionally and by practice. In Charlotte, it could be the pediatrician, the obstetrician, or a pediatric urologist. This would be a good question to ask at a prenatal meeting (as well as of your obstetrician) to see what happens in that practice. Generally, it is the pediatrician who has the discussion in the hospital with the parents whether circumcision is desired. At that point, they will help facilitate the procedure by consulting with the appropriate party.
Dr. Anna Schmelzer graduated from Wake Forest Bowman Gray School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Carolinas Medical Center in 2005 and served as chief residency in 2006. Dr. Schmelzer has been with Charlotte Pediatric Clinic since 2006. She is married with two children ages 3 and 5.
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