I put off finding a pediatrician for the longest time because I knew that my alternative view of medicine and more holistic approach to health care wasn’t something that meshed well with most pediatricians and family doctors. I dreaded having to take Baby Squiggles to a doctor who didn’t support my decisions as a parent. Apart from those insecurities, I also had no idea how to go about finding a doctor! I loved the care I had received during my prenatal appointments at my birth center, so at my final 6-week post-partum visit I asked my midwife for a pediatrician recommendation.

I scheduled an appointment with the family doctor she recommended, and held my breath hoping that one shot was all it would take. I was so, so, so blessed that one visit was all it took to find the family doctor we LOVE. I loved her so much that I threw out half of my interview questions because I knew what the answers would be. I really hit the jackpot with our doctor and I am so thrilled. It is actually exciting for me to take my baby to the doctor because I love the appointments! Now, how many mothers can say that?!

I composed a thorough list of questions to ask during the appointment because it was important for me to be sure I found a doctor who would support my parental decisions regardless of whether or not they agreed with them.

One thing I suggest is to be sure you know where you stand on a lot of medical and parenting issues. I wouldn’t have known the questions to ask, or the answers I desired if I didn’t know what I wanted first. Once Mr. Pen and I established that, I put together a list of questions.

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Some are basic questions that every practice should be asked, such as procedure for a sick child, same-day appointments, hospital affiliation and the like; others are more personal and relevant to your family, and easily customizable. 

  • How much time is allotted for each appointment?
  • Who is on-call when you’re not available?
  • What is your hospital association?
  • Are there separate sick/wellness checkup waiting rooms?
  • Describe the procedure if my child is sick? Can I call anytime? If it’s outside of business hours, how long until I hear back from you? Are there same-day sick appointments?
  • Are there fees for consult calls during the day or after hours?
  • Do you return all calls, or does your office?
  • Is emailing an option?
  • What is the schedule for well-baby checkups?

  • What is the percentage of mothers in your practice who exclusively breastfeed successfully?
  • What are your views on:
    • Circumcision
    • Vaccinations
    • Breastfeeding long-term
    • Night nursing
    • Alternative medicine (such as homeopathy, naturopathy or chiropractic)
    • Sleep-Training
    • Sleeping arrangements for baby – such as cosleeping
    • Feeding, solids – when to start, what foods?
    • Antibiotics or medication for sick children

  • How do you respond when parents express different views than what you may suggest/recommend?
  • Why did you become a pediatrician? What is your favorite part of being in this practice?
  • Do you identify with one parenting method/style more than another?
  • What are some of your favorite books to recommend regarding child care/babies and parenting?
  • How do you handle ill-behaved children during the appointment?

Do you love your doctor? What questions did you ask when interviewing your pediatrician?