HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Baby’s Medical Provider You should find a health care provider for your baby before you give birth. This very important person will take care of your baby’s health for many years. Providers who care for babies include: • Pediatricians – Physicians who specialize in caring for babies and children • Family medicine doctors – Physicians who care for people of any age • Physician assistants – Providers who can practice medicine under the direction and supervision of a physician; can perform checkups, order lab tests, and prescribe medicine • Nurse practitioners – Advance practice registered nurses with extra training who can do checkups, order lab tests, and prescribe medicine You’ll probably want to meet with several providers before you make a choice. Ask your family and friends who they use and how they feel about that person.

Be sure that your choice is on the list of providers covered by your health insurance plan. If not, you will pay more for office visits. Above all, choose someone you like and feel you can trust. You will make a lot of visits to their office during your baby’s first year of life, so it’s important to feel confident about your choice.

Questions to ask prospective providers • Are you in my insurance network?

• What hospital or medical facility do you use? • Are you supportive of exclusive breastfeeding? • Do you feel routine circumcision is necessary? • Will you give me books or other materials about how to care for my baby? • What are your office hours and do they include weekend hours? • What happens if there is an emergency or I need you after office hours?

16 Your Guide to Labor and Birth