Pediatrician vs family doctor

Jessica - posted on 03/07/2010

I am going to my family doctor. My daughter has no "issues" or major health concerns, so I feel confident in my family doctor. She has been great. I suggest going with whomever you feel most comfortable with....

Cinys - posted on 03/06/2010

I am in Canada, laws are different here

Tessa - posted on 03/06/2010

Cinys, that's not true. All public schools must allow for vaccine exemptions based on state law. Here in Ohio there is religous, medical and philisophical exemption. NY and one other is the only state that doesn't allow for religious and philisophical exemption, if I remembver correctly.

Cinys - posted on 03/06/2010

I was told that if you do not get your child vaccinated, finding a school that will accept your child is nearly impossible. They require all updated shots before being allowed in the school.
Baby girl has my family doctor who is wonderful. I agree with Marcie's post. As long as the Doctor is up to date, there is no problems.

Louise - posted on 03/06/2010

We also see a family doc. We have seen the sme doc for 15 years. All of us (husband myself and our 11 yr old) It is a husband wife practice. They are great with our kids. Have never hesitated to let us know when they feel we shoud see a specialist, for even the slightist concern. And allways answer any page within 15 min. I think its a personal choice but if you would feel better with a pedi, keep looking and good luck.

Marcie - posted on 03/05/2010

I think you will probably get alot of different opinions on this one... I use a family doctor for my daughter instead of a pedi. It just kind of happened that way. Some of my family members don't think it is the right thing! I think he is wonderful! I think as long as the family doctor is up to date with all of the latest stuff it is fine. I have a healthy, normal baby so I don't really worry about it. If she were sick, had a disorder, illness or condition then I would consider seeing someone else. I feel confident in his practice. He sees lots of babies and children and has for years...He is very understanding, kind and patient. He answers all of my questions and takes the time to listen. She gets all of the same treatment she would at a pedi office. Weight, measurements, growth charts, immunizations, ect.. My doctor also has an after hours clinic I can take her to on Saturday and Sunday if something is wrong. Any time I have ever called and left a message, the nurse always asks the doctor and calls me back right away. I think whatever your mommy instinct tells you is fine. He is also the same doctor who saw me my whole pregnancy and delivered my daughter! He knows us really well! I would say if the family doctor you are considering sees lots of babies and children then it is probably okay. My Mother and two sisters think I should have a pediatrician. Oh well! I disagree with them.