What Should I Consider When Choosing a Healthcare Provider?

There are 3 different kinds of healthcare providers you can choose to care for your new baby. The most commonly used is a pediatrician- a doctor who specializes in infants and children, many of whom will care for the child until the age of 18. There is also a Family Practice Doctor who as you probably already guessed, cares for the whole family. Once these doctors have completed medical school, they spend 3 more years in residence in the specialty of family practice which also includes pediatrics as well. Lastly, there are Nurse Practitioners. Nurse Practitioners are a practitioner who has obtained a nursing degree. After earning a bachelor's in nursing, they complete a nurse practitioner program. Holding a master's degree in nursing, the nurse Practitioner can also care for the whole family as well.

Your baby will see their provider at least 7 times in the first year and this does not include sick visits! That said, you might want to take certain things into consideration like if the provider is local or not. Also, ask family and friends who they recommend and why. Set up interviews with potential providers. Consider if they are within your insurance network, if they are affiliated with the hospital you were planning on using for birth, emergencies, etc. going forward. When you have interviews, hone in on communication. Do a self-check in to see how comfortable you feel with the provider as you will be seeing them relatively often so good communication and comfortability is key.

I hope this was helpful in narrowing down your search!