Hailey Tran
When it comes to the arrival of a new baby, there are many things to consider and prepare. One of the most important decisions to make is choosing a pediatrician, who will play a critical role in the child's life from birth to early adulthood. While the delivery team typically includes an obstetrician and nurses, some parents may want a pediatrician present as well. This specialist can then care for the newborn immediately after birth and in the following days, either at the hospital or soon after discharge. It is ideal to select a pediatrician before the baby is born, and to ensure they are affiliated with the hospital to streamline communication and access to records. The pediatrician will monitor the child's growth, development, and vaccinations, as well as provide support and resources to the entire family.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When does a pediatrician come to the hospital? | When the pediatrician has an affiliation with the hospital or is part of the same hospital group as the delivery team. |
| Who does the pediatrician see in the hospital? | The newborn baby and their parents. |
| What do they do in the hospital? | They monitor the baby's growth and development, administer vaccines, and address any immediate issues or complications. |
| When do they see the baby for the first time? | Ideally between three and five days after birth, but they may also see the baby immediately after birth if necessary, especially in cases of high-risk pregnancies or complications. |
| How often do newborns see the pediatrician? | Newborns typically have at least nine well-visit checkups in the first year, including vaccinations and tracking growth and development. |
What You'll Learn
Pediatricians can visit newborns in hospitals
When preparing for a new baby, it's important to find a pediatrician who can be with you when your baby is born. Pediatricians are doctors who have special training in treating babies, children, adolescents, and young adults. They play a critical role in the wellbeing of a child from birth to early adulthood, monitoring growth and development, and administering vaccines.
While it is not always necessary for your chosen pediatrician to be present at the birth, they can visit your newborn in the hospital. This is especially useful for babies born with complications or during high-risk pregnancies that could potentially affect the baby's health. If your pediatrician is part of the same hospital group as your delivery team, they will have access to see you and your baby in the hospital, and it will be easier for them to communicate with the delivery team.
Some pediatricians will only visit newborns in the hospital if they have an affiliation with that hospital, so it's important to ask about this when choosing a pediatrician. If your chosen pediatrician does not have an affiliation with the hospital where you deliver, they should see your newborn within a few days after you leave the hospital. Ideally, you should schedule this first appointment before you are discharged.
When your baby is born, the delivery team will care for them in their first few days of life and check for any immediate complications or problems. If any issues arise, your pediatrician will need to be informed. During your baby's first appointment with their pediatrician, the doctor will gather information about the baby's and parents' medical history, weight loss, feeding challenges, and signs of jaundice. They will also track developmental milestones and refer back to initial screening tests to ensure your baby's health and wellbeing.
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They must be affiliated with the hospital
When it comes to the arrival of a newborn, there are many things to consider and prepare. One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right pediatrician for your baby's healthcare. While the hospital's pediatrician will initially see newborn babies, it is ideal for your chosen pediatrician to be affiliated with the hospital.
Being affiliated with the hospital means that your chosen pediatrician is part of the same hospital group as the delivery team. This has several advantages. Firstly, it ensures easy access and a seamless transition for the pediatrician to examine your newborn immediately after birth, which is particularly crucial if your baby has any complications or if your pregnancy was high-risk. Secondly, since the pediatrician and the delivery team are part of the same hospital, they will have existing communication channels and experience working together, making information transfer more efficient. This means you won't have to worry about manually transferring your records.
In addition to the above, having a pediatrician affiliated with the hospital can be beneficial if your child ever needs to be admitted to the hospital. In such cases, it is advantageous if your child's primary care physician already has privileges at that hospital. This makes it easier for you and your family to navigate the healthcare system and ensures familiarity with the institution.
When selecting a pediatrician, it is essential to consider their office hours, availability, and whether they accept your insurance. However, it is also worth asking if they conduct hospital visits and are affiliated with the hospital where you will deliver your baby. This simple question can make a significant difference in your child's healthcare journey and your peace of mind.
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They monitor growth, development, and vaccinations
While parents are usually responsible for taking their child to see a pediatrician, there are some circumstances in which a pediatrician may come to the hospital. For example, some pediatricians will visit the hospital where a newborn baby was delivered to perform their first checkup, but only if they are affiliated with that hospital. In any case, a newborn will usually be seen by a pediatrician within a few days of leaving the hospital.
Pediatricians are doctors who have special training in treating babies, children, adolescents, and young adults. They play a crucial role in monitoring a child's growth, development, and vaccinations. During routine examinations, pediatricians take various measurements to assess a child's overall health and growth. They measure weight, length (height), and head circumference. By measuring head circumference, pediatricians can monitor skull development and brain growth. They compare these growth measurements with trends for babies of the same age to determine whether a newborn is healthy and receiving proper nutrition. If a baby is not growing in line with expectations, pediatricians can provide nutritional guidance to prevent future health issues.
Consistent and ongoing pediatric care can help ensure a child is growing and developing normally, and it can help identify any potential issues as soon as they arise. Pediatricians can use growth measurements and other metrics to develop a personalized care plan. A crucial aspect of well-child checkups for infants and toddlers is the early detection of medical conditions. For example, growth measurements can help pediatricians detect areas of concern, such as a hormone disorder, heart problem, or other illnesses.
Vaccinations are another important aspect of pediatric care. Pediatricians are a trusted source of vaccine information for parents, and they play a crucial role in immunizing children. They can provide vaccine conversations and address vaccine hesitancy. Immunizations are a safe and effective way to protect children from diseases, hospitalization, disability, and death.
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They can advise on child and parental mental health
When a baby is born, it is usually seen by the hospital's paediatrician while still in the hospital. However, it is advisable to choose a paediatrician for your newborn before birth. This allows you to schedule your baby's first appointment before leaving the hospital and ensures familiarity with the physician.
Paediatricians are doctors who have special training in treating babies, children, adolescents, and young adults. They can advise on child and parental mental health. They are equipped to recognise typical behaviour for children at different ages and can provide referrals to mental health professionals, such as social workers or child psychologists specialising in child mental disorders.
Some paediatricians also diagnose and treat mental health disorders themselves. However, their level of expertise in this domain may vary. A developmental and behavioural paediatrician is a medical doctor with specific training in developmental and behavioural issues. They can diagnose a wide range of disorders and prescribe medication.
If you have concerns about your child's mental health, it is beneficial to consult a professional. Your paediatrician can guide you toward suitable mental health providers if needed. They can also work with families to identify when specialist care is required.
Additionally, school counsellors, psychologists, or nurses can be valuable resources. They can identify issues, provide advice, and offer short-term counselling or referrals to licensed clinical social workers. Trusted family members or friends may also provide insights and recommendations based on their experiences with local providers.
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Pediatricians are not obstetricians and do not deliver babies
When a woman goes into labour, she will be asked by most hospitals if she has a chosen pediatrician for her baby. The baby's first examination may be with a hospital pediatrician or the family's chosen one. This depends on the hospital's policy, the pediatrician's hospital access, and whether the baby was born prematurely. If the baby is born early, they will likely be admitted to the NICU, where they will be monitored by NICU doctors and nurses until they are healthy enough to be discharged.
The role of a pediatrician is to care for a child's physical, emotional, and behavioural needs. Pediatricians only see children, which means they have a broad experience in recognizing and treating childhood illnesses. They will also refer to and collaborate with specialists if a child needs care beyond the pediatrician's expertise.
An obstetrician, on the other hand, specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and a woman's reproductive system. They monitor the mother's and baby's health during pregnancy, including routine ultrasounds, measurements, and tests. When the mother goes into labour, nurses or labour coaches help her through the labour process, but the obstetrician monitors her progress and delivers the baby. If the obstetrician is part of a group practice, another doctor in the group may deliver the baby.
While pediatricians do not deliver babies, they play an important role in a child's life from birth to adulthood, providing specialized care and ensuring the child's overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not necessary for a pediatrician to be present at the delivery of your baby. The delivery team typically includes an obstetrician and nurses who are trained and experienced in delivering babies.
While still in the hospital, newborn babies are typically seen by the hospital's pediatrician. However, they are usually seen by your chosen pediatrician within a few days after leaving the hospital.
Selecting a pediatrician is an important decision. Pediatricians are doctors who have special training in treating babies, children, adolescents, and young adults. You should consider factors such as office hours, availability, and whether they accept your insurance. It is also important to choose a pediatrician who is board-certified, experienced, and skilled at caring for babies and children of all ages.
The first visit to the pediatrician, ideally between three and five days after birth, sets the foundation for the baby's care. During this initial appointment, the pediatrician gathers information about the baby's and parents' medical history. They will also weigh and measure the baby, check for jaundice, and ensure the baby is eating, peeing, and pooping properly.
