You’ve decorated the nursery, your kitchen is stocked with bottles, and you have onesies galore. You’re getting everything your baby will need when they arrive. And now, you’re “shopping” for one of the most important things: your baby’s doctor.
About three months before your due date is a good time to start looking for your child’s doctor. Choosing a provider is like hiring someone for a job – you need to make sure that the candidate is someone you want to work with and that they meet all of your qualifications.
Feeling overwhelmed about the hiring process? Here’s what to look for and how to find a provider for your child.
Decide If You Want to Choose a Pediatrician or a Family Medicine Doctor.
There are two types of primary care physicians who treat children: pediatricians and family medicine providers (sometimes called family doctors).
Both types of providers are trained in caring for children. The main difference is that pediatricians treat patients through their younger years (usually until about age 21), while family medicine providers see patients of all ages, from birth through adulthood.
Some people like pediatricians, since they are focused solely on children. Others prefer family medicine providers so that everyone in the family can see the same provider and their child won’t need to switch providers when they get older. There isn’t a right or wrong choice – it’s about what works best for you and your family.
Read on Duly Health and Care: Should I Choose a Family Medicine or Internal Medicine Provider for My PCP?
Check References.
Completely at a loss about where to begin your search? Turning to the people you know is a great place to start.
Ask friends, family members, and other parents you trust for recommendations and references. Since they know you personally, they may have a good idea about who would be a good fit. You can also ask your OBGYN or primary care provider for their recommendations.
Checking social media and online reviews can be helpful, but it’s important to do your own research and not rely on the opinions of strangers. Everyone has different needs and expectations, so what wasn’t the best experience for one person could actually be perfect for you.
Narrow Down the Candidate Pool.
Once you’ve asked around or done some online searches, and you have a few names on your list, it’s time to get more information.
Check online or call the office to learn some basic logistical information, including:
- Office hours
- If they accommodate same- or next-day appointments, and if they are affiliated with an immediate care center
- Insurance they accept
- If payment is expected in full at the time of an appointment/service, or if you can do payment plans
- The provider’s background, training, and board certifications (you may be able to find this online through sites like DocInfo.org)
- Hospitals the provider is affiliated with
Also read: Knowing Where to Go for Care: The South Bend Clinic Immediate Care Centers
Conduct an Interview.
After you’ve found a provider who meets your criteria, it’s time to move on to another critical step: the interview.
Whether you’re debating between providers or you’re pretty sure you’ve already found the one via online sleuthing, it’s a good idea to meet with and interview them before your baby is born.
Call the office to find out if you can set up a meet-and-greet or if they offer group classes for expecting parents to learn more about the practice. You can also set up a phone interview, but it’s helpful to go in person so you can get a tour of the office and meet the rest of the staff.
Ask the Right Questions.
Come to the interview armed with a list of questions. Some key questions to ask include:
- What is the best way to contact you with medical questions? Do you prefer phone calls or messages through a patient portal?
- How are phone calls handled during and after office hours? Can I talk to a nurse for quick, routine questions?
- If you’re out of town or unavailable, will another physician in the office cover for you?
- If my child develops a complex illness or chronic condition, will you coordinate care among all of the specialists providing treatment?
- Will you come to the hospital when my child is born?
It’s okay to keep searching for a provider if you aren’t satisfied with their answers or if you don’t feel like you click. You and your baby will be spending a lot of time with the provider, and your baby’s health is in their hands, so it’s important that you’re confident in your choice.
Learn About Newborn Appointments.
Regardless of whether you’ve chosen a provider, take time before your baby is born to learn about newborn appointments.
Well-baby visits are regular medical checkups where the provider will make sure that your baby’s health, growth, and development are on track.

Most babies need a well-baby visit 2 to 3 days after coming home from the hospital. Then, they will need to see a provider when they are:
- 1 month old
- 2 months old
- 4 months old
- 6 months old
- 9 months old
This might seem like a lot of appointments for the first year, but it’s very important to keep up with these visits since children grow and change quickly.
Don’t Forget About Your Own Health.
Your baby might not be the only one who needs a new provider. If you have postpartum depression (PPD), it’s important to get care.
Any new mom can get PPD, but some are more at risk than others. If you’re at an increased risk, it can help to find a mental health provider before your baby is born so that, if you need care, you can get it right away.
You may be at a higher risk for PPD if you have:
- A personal or family history of depression
- A history of PPD after a previous pregnancy
- Bipolar disorder
- Experienced stressful events in the past year, like job loss or illness
- Financial issues
- Problems in your relationship with your partner
- Multiple pregnancy (a pregnancy with more than one baby)
Read on Duly Health and Care: Oh, Baby! Make Time for You — 6 Ideas for Self-Care During Pregnancy
Anytime you’re looking for a new provider – whether it’s for yourself or for your baby – put in the work. It might seem overwhelming, but having a provider you are comfortable with and trust is key for keeping you and your baby healthy.
Ready to choose a pediatrician or family medicine provider for your child? Our South Bend Clinic physicians are dedicated to providing exceptional care for your growing family, from newborn check-ups to childhood milestones and beyond. Schedule your meet-and-greet appointment today and take the first step toward your child’s healthy future.
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