As a parent, choosing your baby’s doctor is an important decision. After giving birth, your pediatrician becomes a significant resource for your baby’s health and medical needs. You want a medical professional you can rely on for support and someone you feel comfortable with asking questions. Knowing the right questions to ask helps you navigate uncertainty when it comes to newborn care. Here are some questions to think about as you find your pediatrician and prepare for her first medical appointments.
Nutrition
Your baby’s nutritional needs affect her growth and development. Your questions in this area will largely depend upon whether you decide to bottle-feed or breastfeed. If bottle-feeding, you’ll want to check with the doctor to make sure she’s getting the proper amount of formula for her weight at each feeding time. Protip: Your doctor will want to know exactly how much you’re feeding her to put in her charts.
If you’re experiencing issues breastfeeding such as proper latching, the best approach might be a lactation consultant referral. You might also ask your doctor about her vitamin D intake. It’s the one nutrient your breast milk lacks and it is an important part of building her bones and immune system.
Questions to ask:
- How much formula should she have daily (if bottle-fed)?
- How often should she breastfeed?
- How can she get more vitamin D (if breastfeeding)?
Sleep
Your pediatrician might inquire about her sleeping patterns. Use this opportunity to get tips on how you can get her in the routine of understanding daytime vs. nighttime. If she sleeps through feedings, get the pediatrician’s advice on when to wake her.
Questions to ask:
- Is her sleeping pattern normal?
Changing Diapers
Her output matters as much as her input to her doctor. Keep track of how many wet diapers she has and what her stools look like. Discuss them with the doctor to make sure her output is normal.
Questions to ask:
- What should her stools look like?
- How many diapers should I be changing on average?
Other Question Topics for the Doctor
- Tips for bathtime
- Umbilical cord care
- Vaccinations