5 Questions Answered By AxessPointe Pediatrician, Dr. Oyerinde
What is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a medical doctor specializing in the care and treatment of infants, children, and adolescents. They are trained to understand children’s unique physical, emotional, and social development and how this affects their health and wellbeing. They also work closely with parents and caregivers to guide them on nutrition, growth and development, and other aspects of child health and wellbeing.
How soon should you find a pediatrician after becoming pregnant?
It’s a good idea to start looking for a pediatrician before your baby is born. Starting to look for one in the second trimester of pregnancy gives you enough time to find a doctor who meets your needs and preferences. In addition, it is essential to get a pediatrician early if one has a difficult pregnancy or if some problems with the child were identified in the prenatal period.
Generally, recommendations from friends, family members, or your obstetrician are usually the first thing to do. You can also check with your health insurance company for pediatricians in their network. Once you develop a shortlist, you could call them up and even visit them to get a sense of their approach to care and availability.
How often should you take your newborn to see a pediatrician?
In the first year of a baby’s life, regular visits to the pediatrician are essential for monitoring that babies are meeting their growth and developmental milestones and addressing any health concerns that may arise.
Pediatricians, health insurance agencies, and public health authorities agree that all healthy babies are to be seen at least six times in the first year of life:
- Within the first few days after birth (preferably within 48-72 hours)
- At 1 month
- At 2 months
- At 4 months
- At 6 months
- At 9 months
- At 12 months
During these visits, parents can discuss concerns about their baby’s health or development. They can ask questions about skincare, feeding, and sleeping and receive guidance on providing the best possible care for their baby. In addition to these scheduled visits, parents should contact their pediatrician if they have any concerns about their baby’s health.
What are annual well visits, and why are they important?
Annual well visits, also known as well-child visits or check-ups, are routine visits with a pediatrician or other healthcare provider after three years of age. These visits enable the pediatrician to monitor a child’s growth, development, and overall health and permit early detection of health concerns or developmental delays when they are most treatable.
During these visits, the pediatrician will perform a physical examination, take measurements (such as height, weight, and vital signs), and assess the child’s development, including motor skills, speech, and cognitive abilities. The pediatrician may also ask questions about the child’s
diet, sleep habits, and behavior and guide parents on topics such as safety, nutrition, and physical activity.
In addition to the annual well visits, pediatricians may recommend additional visits or screenings based on a child’s needs or medical history. For example, children with chronic health conditions or developmental delays may need to be seen more frequently. Other children may need additional testing or evaluations, such as hearing or vision screenings.
What is your mission behind treating patients?
Pediatricians have a mission to provide the highest quality evidence-based medical care to their young patients, to promote their health and wellbeing, and to help them achieve their full potential.
In addition to providing medical care, pediatricians also play an essential role in advocating for the health and wellbeing of children in their communities. For example, they may work to promote public health initiatives, such as vaccination programs, playground safety, childhood obesity, or mental health.
