Finding a Pediatrician

Choosing a Pediatrician for Your New Baby

Having a baby is a big step in any woman’s life. From the day you first learn you are pregnant, you begin making the best decisions possible for your child. One of the choices you have during your pregnancy is to select a doctor (pediatrician) to care for your new baby.

Find a Pediatrician to Ensure All of Your Child's Healthcare Needs are Met

Around 3 months before your child is born, start looking for a doctor for your newborn so you can feel confident in your choice for your baby's needs. Your obstetrician or midwife will continue to care for your needs after birth. The pediatrician will care for your new baby through childhood.

To make your stay at the hospital easier, please choose a doctor for your baby several months before your due date.

If you are having trouble locating one, you can go to the Find a Doctor page on this website. We suggest that you call that doctor to see if he/she is accepting new patients and participates in your insurance plan. This will make your baby’s care in the hospital and afterwards go more smoothly.

If you do not choose a baby doctor, you will be assigned one to care for the baby in the hospital. This doctor may not be able to care for your baby after discharge due to practice constraints and insurance issues. Therefore, it is better to have arranged this ahead of your labor and delivery.

Please tell your OB provider who the pediatric doctor will be so it is on your prenatal record. The nurses will also ask you this information when you come to have your baby.

How soon after birth should you take your baby to the pediatrician?

While every instance is unique to your birth experience and your child, delivery nurses or a member of your birth team will contact your provided pediatrician as soon as the baby is born . If you have any complications during your pregnancy or delivery, your baby will be examined by a staff pediatrician or specialist at the hospital. Otherwise, your newborn examination can take place anytime during the 24 hours following your child's birth.