FAQ

 Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions. We're always available to answer your questions and encourage you to contact our office if you have a question that is not answered below.

Q: What is a Pediatrician?

A: A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Beyond medical school, pediatricians have undergone three, or more, years of rigorous residency training in the health and illnesses of infants, children and teens.  After residency, pediatricians who pass a comprehensive and difficult exam are eligible to become certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They also provide parents with support and advice with issues such as growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition, and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.

Q: Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?

A: Yes, we welcome parents-to-be to visit our office for a prenatal consultation.  It is a great way to get acquainted with our practice.

At the prenatal consultation visit, we discuss your pregnancy as it pertains to the baby’s health and answer any questions you might have about your newborn.  Many parents find it helpful to discuss infant feeding (breast, bottle or both), umbilical cord care, circumcision, stooling and voiding habit, signs of illness, jaundice, newborn sleep habits, colic, and car seat safety. 

The prenatal visit is an unhurried face-to-face consultation designed to help you and your baby get off to a great start.  Congratulations!

Q: Is your office accepting new patients?

 A: Yes, we are currently accepting new patients. Please contact our office to request an appointment.

Q: How often should my child see the pediatrician?

A: Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness.

It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy.

Also called well-child visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for our doctors to observe the progress of your child's physical and emotional growth and development.  Well-child visits are a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:

2 to 5 days old
1 month old
2 months old
4 months old
6 months old
9 months old
12 months old
15 months old
18 months old
2 years old (24 months)
2 ½ years old (30 months)
3 years old
4 years old
5 years old
6 years old
7 years old
8 years old
9 years old
10 years old
11 years old
12 years old
13 years old
14 years old
15 years old
16 years old
17 years old
18 years old
19 years old
20 years old
21 years old
The Benefits of Well-Child Visits:
Prevention. Your child gets scheduled immunizations to prevent illness. You also can ask your pediatrician about nutrition and safety in the home and at school.