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During the first few years of your baby’s life, you’ll probably be seeing your pediatrician more often than the bottom of your laundry basket! It’s important that you feel comfortable with your pediatrician and have a good relationship with him/her.

When I was expecting my first child, the hospital gave me a list of affiliated pediatricians. I asked around for recommendations, visited several pediatricians, then chose a group practice that came highly recommended from co-workers and friends. The practice is currently all female, mostly moms, so I get a mom’s experience along with a doctor’s expertise.

My first pediatrician spent a lot of time telling me what my child should be doing, rather than asking me and listening to what he actually was doing. I felt that she didn’t make time for my questions. She eventually left the practice, about when I was considering switching to another pediatrician in the practice. Sometimes it’s necessary to change pediatricians when you feel the relationship is not working out. If you do choose to change pediatricians, let your former pediatrician know why you are leaving — maybe he/she can make some changes.

Your pediatrician should to be available to you 24 hours a day in case of emergency. If she is a solo practitioner, she must have someone to cover her when she is not available. Your pediatrician should be willing to answer your questions on the phone — although you should be realistic in your expectations.

A non-emergency call might not be returned for several hours or until the next morning, simply because other calls and patients with more urgent problems must take precedence.

When you call your pediatrician with a question, be prepared. If your child is ill, take his temperature and note any other symptoms before you call. Write it all down along with all your questions. Be specific; describe symptoms in detail. This will help the doctor help you faster.