Children's Health Care
Your child's health is the most important factor when finding out you are going to be a parent. A comment frequently heard from parents-to-be when asked the sex they are hoping for is "We don't care, just as long as the baby is healthy." Yes, healthy children are a blessing some of us take for granted. For many parents, though, a blessing is to watch their baby finally breathe on their own for the first time after months in the NICU or to witness the first steps of a child born with cerebral palsy. Children's health care needs vary greatly and depending on your individual child, finding the right doctor can be a challenge.
Whether or not your child has a special need, they will still need to see a family physician, or pediatrician, for checkups and to receive immunizations. A pediatrician is a doctor specializing in the study and treatment of children. Finding a pediatrician you trust to care for your child is important, and the child should feel comfortable around them also. If you are expecting a baby and do not have a doctor picked out yet, ask family and friends if they know a pediatrician you could call. It is all a little overwhelming now, but you are going to come to rely on your baby's doctor when she will not stop crying or when you are worried he is spitting up too much. Pediatricians are good at reassuring anxious parents since they do it day in and day out.
Finding the right pediatrician for your special needs child may be harder, but I assure you, you'll find one that fits your family. Hospitals and physicians' offices are filled with educated, professional and caring doctors and nurses who want to give your child the best medical care. Your pediatrician can refer you to the specialists who will take care of your child's other needs, whether it be a speech therapist, physical or occupational therapist, or a cardiologist.
As your child ages, the doctor will keep a record of his or her growth and talk to you about the child's eating, sleeping, and restroom habits. This way your child's doctor can spot a problem if one occurs. He or she will also ask questions about the household, including parents, siblings, and pets. Around one year your child will have blood drawn to check for lead. This is important because lead can cause health concerns for your child if they are exposed to high levels. Immunizations are also important in preventing serious or life-threatening diseases such as whooping cough, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, polio and even chicken pox.
Make sure the doctor of your choice accepts your insurance and that your medical insurance covers that particular doctor. There have been cases when a patient finds a doctor or hospital of their liking and come to find out the insurance and physician are not a match. It is always a good idea to get things like this checked out before you get too attached to your potential pediatrician or specialist.
Remember, every child is a blessing. Give your child the best possible life by ensuring them with good health care.