From Nurse to New Mom: What I’m Looking for in a Pediatrician
As my husband, Steve, and I prepare to welcome our first baby this spring, we’ve been diving deep into all things newborn care—and one of the biggest decisions we’re making right now is choosing a pediatrician.
Even as a pediatric ICU nurse with years of experience caring for critically ill little ones, I know that the everyday realities of newborn care—sleep, feeding, development, and those inevitable middle-of-the-night worries—are a whole new world when it’s your own baby. If I’ve learned anything in my time as a pediatric nurse it’s that Mama truly knows best and the motherly instinct is incredibly powerful. That’s why finding a pediatrician who aligns with our family’s values, concerns, and approach to newborn wellness is so important.
As we navigate this process, I wanted to share the key questions we’re asking so that you, too, can feel confident in choosing the right provider for your little one.
A Pediatrician’s Philosophy on Newborn Care & Wellness
Every pediatrician has a different approach to newborn care, and I want someone who values both evidence-based medicine and parental intuition. I want some that will not only listen to me but HEAR me. These are the questions we’re asking:
What is your philosophy on newborn wellness?
Do you support a holistic or integrative approach, considering things like nutrition, environment, and developmental care?
How do you handle parental concerns and questions? Do you encourage open discussions and shared decision-making?
I’ve spent my career working with babies in critical conditions, and I’ve seen firsthand how rest, nutrition, and early bonding set the stage for long-term health. I want a pediatrician who understands that every baby is different and who supports a balanced, individualized approach to newborn care and not a one size fits all. My child is more than just numbers and lab values.
Office Logistics & Accessibility: Will They Be There When We Need Them?
I know from my nursing background that when babies get sick, things can escalate quickly—so accessibility and responsiveness are at the top of our list. Some key questions we’re asking:
What are your office hours? Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
How do I reach you after hours—do you have a nurse line or on-call service?
Do you offer same-day sick visits?
What hospitals are you affiliated with in case our baby ever needs specialized care?
I also know from working in the ICU that having a good relationship with a pediatrician before an emergency happens is crucial. That’s why I want someone who is accessible, proactive, and supportive—not just during well-visits but in those stressful, middle-of-the-night moments too. I want someone that is going to be responsive and reassuring when I’m scared.
Newborn & Infant Care: Sleep, Feeding & Development
I’ve spent a lot of time educating families about newborn sleep and care through my business, and I know how important it is to find a pediatrician who supports evidence-based but realistic approaches. Here’s what we’re asking:
What is your stance on newborn sleep and safe sleep recommendations?
Do you support breastfeeding moms, and do you have lactation consultants available?
What is your approach to formula supplementation if needed?
How often will my baby need check-ups in the first year?
What is your opinion on baby-led weaning vs. traditional purees?
I want a pediatrician who recognizes that every baby is unique and that sometimes, flexibility is needed—whether that’s supplementing with formula, adjusting sleep strategies, or taking a personalized approach to feeding.
Vaccinations & Medical Care: Finding the Right Balance
As a nurse, I believe in the power of vaccines to protect babies, but like you I also have questions and concerns. I want a pediatrician that is open minded to the choices we make a new parents. That’s why we’re asking:
What is your vaccination schedule, and do you allow any flexibility?
How do you approach common newborn issues like reflux, colic, or tongue ties?
What is your protocol for treating fevers in newborns?
How do you handle antibiotic prescriptions—do you prescribe conservatively?
Do you have experience managing allergies and food sensitivities?
I’ve seen parents struggle with conflicting advice when it comes to medical care, and I want a pediatrician who takes a balanced approach—one who follows best practices of both traditional medicine and integrative medicine while also listening to parents’ concerns.
Support for New Moms: Because We Need Care Too
I’ve learned as a nurse is that a healthy, supported mama means a healthier baby. Motherhood can be overwhelming, and the right pediatrician should offer guidance and reassurance, not just medical expertise. So, we’re asking:
What resources do you provide for new parents?
Do you offer guidance on developmental milestones and early interventions?
How do you support moms navigating postpartum mental health concerns?
As a first-time mom myself, I know that there will be days when I question everything—and I want a pediatrician who is there to offer compassion, expertise, and encouragement.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Fit
Choosing a pediatrician is about more than just credentials—it’s about finding someone who listens, understands, and supports your family’s unique journey. For me and Steve, that means a provider who:
Respects evidence-based medicine while valuing parental instincts
Is accessible and responsive when concerns arise
Offers realistic guidance on sleep, feeding, and development
Takes a balanced approach to medical care
Supports both baby’s well-being and mama’s mental health
If you’re in the same season of life, know that you are your baby’s best advocate. Ask the questions, trust your instincts, and choose a pediatrician who makes you feel confident and supported.
Motherhood is a wild, beautiful ride—and with the right care team, we don’t have to navigate it alone.
