How often should Newborns go to the Pediatrician?

Question

I thought i had taken my, now a month old, son to a pediatrician at his 2 wk apointment but it turns out the Clinic we went to does not have and actual Pediatricians. I went to the clinic althrough out my pregnancy and knew that they saw children because i saw them in the waiting room. And i didn't think twice that they didn't want to see my son untill April, Now i'm not too sure and his starting to show his Father's Milk Allergies. Should i find a pediatrician or what?

I thought i had taken my, now a month old, son to a pediatrician at his 2 wk apointment but it turns out the Clinic we went to does not have and actual Pediatricians. I went to the clinic althrough out my pregnancy and knew that they saw children because i saw them in the waiting room. And i didn't think twice that they didn't want to see my son untill April, when we made our next appoinment. Now i'm not too sure and his starting to show his Father's Milk Allergies. My son also wouldn't breastfeed so that's not an opition. Should i find a pediatrician or what?

Answer 1

Family care Dr's can take just as good care of your son as a pediatrician does. Only thing a pedi dr does is care for children ages newborn to 18. Family care treats from pregnancy to death. Your son should go in at 2 weeks, 2 months,4 months,6 months,9 months,12 months and ofcourse anytime a "problem" or concern arises

My daughter had a pedi dr that speicalized in speical needs children who I wouldnt trade for the world. my son has a family care dr who takes care of my husband myself and my son and soon my daughters care will be transfered to him

Answer 2

Usually those dr's are "family practice" dr's and they are qualified to care for babies. Pediatricians specialize in caring only for babies and children.
Usually during a baby's first year they should have once a month "well child" check ups to measure growth, do vaccinations, and answer any questions you have about your child's development.

Are you still breastfeeding? That can be one of the best things to do to avoid milk allergies (and all allergies in general), especially a milk allergy since all regular formulas are made from cows milk, and introducing a food that your child may be susceptible to can increase the likelihood that your baby may develop an allergy to it.
I would suggest exclusive breastfeeding and pumping if you still are. If your baby is still showing signs of a milk allergy while nursing, you may need to minimize or cut cows milk out of your diet as well. There are other ways to get calcium other than through milk.

Those soy formulas are expensive and studies have shown that it's not good for anybody to be on soy products for an extended amount of time.

If you are not confident in the ability of these dr's to care for your baby by your standards, then by all means find another practice. Search around and ask friends who they see and why they like them. Ask other moms at the playground or wherever you frequent that has moms and babies.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Pediatrician is someone who sees only children. When they went to medical school their specialty was pediatrics not general medicine. That's the general different between a pediatrician and an M.D. which is usually what you'll find at a family practice. I've found I get more info from my pediatrican than my sister does from her M.D. at a local family practice. In fact, I've called my pediatrican to get advice for her baby - who has had RSV/broncholitis twice this winter.

If you get the feeling your doctor doesn't want to see your child you should definately find someone else. Especially if you've told them about a potential allergy. Usually milk allergies are one the first things a doctor will tell you about since they are so common.

If you've told them about the potential allergy and they still seem distant it's time for another doctor. Otherwise, call and let them know about the signs of the allergy. Tell them you want the doctor to check him out - and you need to know what to do to treat the symptoms. If they seem uncaring in the least bit hang up and find another!

I found my pediatrican by talking to my neighbors. She came very highly recommended by the moms in my MOMS club as well. I'm so glad I found her!! My son's initial doctor was a pediatrican at a local clinic, but after he saw him after he was just born he never saw him again. The worst part was I'd never find out he was out until I was in the room waiting for him and another doc came in. But, none of the other docs were covered by my insurance...what a mess!

My son went to his doctor at the intial two week check up. Then, he went every three months for a wellness check. That's the visit with the vaccinations and when you find out the growth rater (percentile wise).

Answer 4

Before giving birth,moms are usually ask if allergies or asthma runs in the family so that by the time the baby is out, she will be prescribed with a hypoallergenic formula or the baby will be purely breastfeeding cause breastmilk reduces incidence of allergies.Babies go to pediatricians regularly for check-up or vaccinations.But if you have concerns regarding your baby dont hesitate to call the Pediatrician.

Answer 5

I would find a reputable pediatrician. Not all doctors are good with infants and children. You may also look into finding an allergist too. Your pediatrician can make local recomendations.

At this time you usually would have your baby checked at least once a month.

If you cannot pay for a pediatrician tell them and they may have some sort of subsidy for you to use.

Answer 6

Any doctor is acceptable. Pediatricians simply see only children on a daily basis, but all doctors are trained in the care of infants and newborns.

You can continue to go to your clinic if you are comfortable with the care you receive there, your baby will be taken care of just the same there as at a pediatricians office. But, if you feel his care would be better at a pediatricians office then start asking local mom's who they use.

Answer 7

If you like your doc then your son can continue to see him.What makes you think they do't want to see your son? If you need a pediatrcian ask other mom's in your area for recommendations. Or you could even ask your doc him/herself. Pediatricians are great b/c they receive special training in infant through adolescent. As far as your original question. Babies are generally seen at 2wks, 1 and/or 2 months of age, 4 m, 6 m, 9m, 12m for their well baby checks. Your doc would let you know for sure. Otherwise you see the doc as needed for other questions and concerns, like illness.

Answer 8

If you aren't comfortable with the quality of care then find a new doctor. However you can't expect prescheduled appointments to correspond with actual problems, if you have a concern make an appointment.

Answer 9

twice as much as the amount of real problems