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By Carol Harding, Ph.D.
Once your baby arrives, your family doctor, pediatrician, various
specialists, and, at times, emergency room doctors will become your
partners in your infant's care. Doctors who specialize in working with
families and young children are typically very skilled at recognizing
and alleviating anxious feelings, which should put you and your baby
more at ease. But still, you should be a proactive patient on your
infant's behalf. Here's how to get the most out of every doctor visit
so baby remains happy and healthy:
- Interview several doctors. Before your baby is born, do some
research and interview as many doctors it takes to find the right one.
Discuss medical approaches the doctor practices. Talk about your
expectations and feelings.
- Observe the doctor's office. Are office personnel
friendly as well as organized? Can you call for advice anytime? Will
the doctor return your calls quickly? Will the doctor see you and your
baby when you think it's necessary?
- Mutual respect. Your baby's doctor is a partner in
your family's health. If that partnership becomes uncomfortable or
unsatisfying, be ready to do something about it. Talk to your doctor
about your concerns. Consult with another doctor and, if necessary,
consider changing physicians.
- More than medicine. Take advantage of the healthy
appointments to talk about your infant. Talking about your baby's
behavior and achievements is as important as relating medical concerns.
Share stories about how your baby plays, whether she smiles when you
talk to her, and what she does when she sees her Grandpa. The more you
share, the better your doctor can learn about your baby's social,
emotional, and physical development.
- Put time on your side. Make sure that you give
yourself plenty of time to get to the doctor's office. If you don't
have to rush or worry, the visit will be more enjoyable for you and
baby. Take along a favorite book or toy to read or play with while you
wait to see the doctor (consider a picture book about visiting the
doctor).
- Support your baby. Help your baby anticipate what the
doctor will do. Talk gently about the doctor's movements and
procedures. Even before your baby can use language, he will recognize
the tone of your voice and will be comforted by it. Encourage your
doctor to talk to your baby during the examination. Gentle talk builds
understanding.
- Be sensitive to baby's needs. Acknowledge your baby's
pain and discomfort when appropriate. Before immunizations or other
painful procedures, hold your baby close and tell him that something
may hurt a little and that you're right there to comfort him. Hold him
when you can and touch him gently. Pretending it won't hurt doesn't
really help. As you comfort him, you're building trust between the two
of you. You're letting him know that you're paying attention to his
feelings (both the good ones and the painful ones) and that you're
there to take care of him.
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About The Author
Carol Harding is the Departmental Chair of Methodology/Human Development at Loyola University in Chicago.