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A New Doctor for Baby How and When to Start the Search

Decisions, Decisions You'll make many important choices for your child - and his or her doctor is one of them. When choosing a pediatrician, it's important to first compile a list of your wants, needs and concerns, to determine if the doctor and staff are the right fit for you and your new family.

Do Your Homework "As a new parent, you will have a lot of questions, and I always recommend researching these questions online or at your library beforehand and to come to the first meeting prepared to ask them," said Robert Chessin, MD, a pediatrician with Pediatric Healthcare Associates in Bridgeport. "We have a saying at our practice: 'There are no bad questions.' Don't be afraid to ask us

any question, whether it's about breastfeeding, immunization, anything you've ever worried about, and everything else along the way. We'll gladly answer any question you ask."

Dr. Chessin has been in pediatric practice for 38 years, serving parents and their families in the greater Bridgeport community. He urges expectant parents to schedule an initial "get acquainted" meeting. There is no charge for this first meeting, which he calls a "pre-visit."

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It's an important first step for new parents to have a candid discussion with a pediatrician about their expectations and concerns.

When to Start "Shopping" While it's up to the patient, a good time to start looking for a pediatrician is during your seventh month of pregnancy. This will give you the opportunity to do your research and meet more than one doctor if need be. You may want to ask friends or neighbors for input as well. You'll want to be sure the pediatrician you choose is board certified and affiliated with your hospital of choice.

"You will also want to look at the kind of practice he or she is part of," Dr. Chessin continued. "For example, if you are working parents, you'll want to find out if the practice has evening and weekend hours to accommodate your schedule."

During the pre-visit, Dr. Chessin also recommends that new parents explore how the pediatrician handles emergencies or acute illnesses that might arise, such as colds, infections,

sore throats and other health concerns. Many parents worry about these potential health challenges.

"Don't be afraid to ask us any question...anything you've ever worried about, and everything else along the way."

Robert Chessin, MD Pediatric Healthcare Associates 1 M

The pediatrician should be comfortable telling you his or her availability on short notice when these illnesses occur.

Establishing a Comfort Level Once you've established a comfort level with the pediatrician, it becomes easier to explore other questions about your pregnancy, and once the newborn arrives, how to care for your child. "Many new parents I have seen over the years express concerns around breastfeeding," Dr. Chessin said. "On our staff we have a lactation specialist who works with new mothers and who counsels them on how to prepare to feed their newborn."

A frequent concern Dr. Chessin confronts among new parents is the anxiety mothers sometimes feel when they leave the hospital after giving birth and return home. "New mothers are discharged from the hospital soon after the birth, and her milk does not start to come until 3-5 days after the birth," Dr. Chessin said.

"This causes new moms to worry. At St. Vincent's there is a lactation specialist on staff who helps prepare you, and the hospital goes to great lengths to connect you with community resources. But once out of the hospital and on her own, a new breastfeeding mom is bound to have concerns, and we're prepared to help."

"At St. Vincent's, there is a lactation specialist on staff who helps to support and prepare you." An Important Transition Dr. Chessin and his staff encourage new mothers to take their time when transitioning back home with a new baby. "There's a lot of data compiled by the American Academy of Pediatrics about the importance of breastfeeding," Dr. Chessin said.

"And in our practice, we work it into our schedule after the new mom is discharged. We routinely see a mom two days after she's left the hospital, so we're there for you to help you get started with breastfeeding, and to continue breastfeeding your child, if that is what you choose to do."

Dr. Chessin said he is rewarded by the relationships he has established over many years of practicing pediatrics. "I truly enjoy being there for parents and their children," he said. "At our practice, we are here to establish a long-term partnership with you and your child or children."

To find a pediatrician in your area, use our Find a Doctor tool at stvincents.org.

Questions to Ask a Do you take my insurance?

What are your office hours?

Who is on call when you're not available?

What are your certifications?

Pediatrician What are your sub-specialties?

Which hospitals are you affiliated with?

Do you use email?

Questions to Ask Yourself Is the office clean?

Are there separate sick and well waiting areas?

Is the staff friendly?

Did you feel rushed?

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