Pediatrician selected

I wasn't particularly concerned about how the visit with the pediatrician would go this morning, as the practice has come highly recommended by people whose opinions I respect. But I'm still happy to report that it went well.

There were several of us scheduled at once - another mom-to-be, one couple expecting twins, and a dad-to-be. The office itself is on the first floor of a large brownstone. Not fancy or anything, but seemed nice enough, and it's about 6 blocks from home, so not bad. Dr. O'Connor met with us, as she's the one currently taking newborns - but there are 2 others in the practice - Thelander and Pytlak. All 3 are women. One has been there for 12 years, one for 8, and one for 3.

O'Connor will be our primary doctor, but if she's out then the others will cover. They don't have an answering service but actually answer after hours calls themselves on an on call schedule. If you call during the day they usually return morning calls by afternoon and afternoon calls by evening. If you need to come in, they have sick visits at the end of the morning and the end of the afternoon, so they do see you the day you call. They don't really have a nursing staff but instead do the shots and whatnot themselves. They do have a nurse practitioner on Mondays to help with sick visits and whatever else and they have a lactation consultant / nicu nurse 1-2 days per week.

Newborn appointments take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on what is going on. And they want you to come in a couple days after leaving the hospital and definitely again at 1 month - but usually at least 1 more time in between and sometimes weekly or twice a week for the firt month - depending on any concerns they have. After that it's 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years. And they see patients up to age 20 or so. They follow the America Pediatrics Association guidelines on immunizations, but they'll discuss anything parents are concerned about.

She said she recommends avoiding crowds for the first couple months - but that getting out and about is good. She also recommends no major travel (airplanes and such) until after the first immunizations (2 months).

I think all my major questions were covered - can't think of anything else yet anyway. And I was definitely pleased with all the answers. They're not gung-ho on organics and all of that, but they certainly encourage parents to make educated choices on those things for themselves. Overall she seemed very nice and flexible.

So we'll call the day after the baby is born and make an appointment for about day 5 or so.