A Link a Day: How to Choose a Pediatrician

How to Choose a Pediatrician

"Most pediatricians offer free interviews, although some may charge for this preliminary visit."

This is something that I never knew you could do. I think it is important that you entrust the healthcare of your child to not only someone you trust, but someone who you feel comfortable with. Someone you can engage in conversation easily with, and who understands your perspective and concerns.

I am always on the fence about changing pediatricians. I probably should trust my gut and see someone else. This is partly because I didn't interview and seek out several candidates, and also because my son was premature and I hadn't had a doctor lined up for him.

Anyway, I think the most important tip to take away from this is to be comfortable with your pediatrician. You can't get optimal care for your child if you feel shy or ignored by your doctor.

A Link a Day: npr Special Series: Beginnings: Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Beyond

npr Special Series: Beginnings: Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Beyond

Lots of good articles in this series. Numerous topics covered, definitely check it out!

A Link a Day: Blood Test Detects Fetal Sex Much Earlier in Pregnancy

Blood test detects fetal sex much earlier in pregnancy

"A May analysis in The Lancet estimates that between 4.2 million and 12.1 million female fetuses were "selectively" aborted in India from 1980 to 2010" 

  Although many would be able to use this information for good, such as testing for rare gender-based diseases and other genetic disorders, many feel that the abortion rate would increase due to gender-selection.

It is well known that India and China have long practiced gender-selection, and a tool like this may make it even easier. It is much easier, and some consider less amoral to abort a fetus during the first trimester. Currently, gender can't be determined until around the 20th week via ultrasound.

Not sure where I stand on this one. I have no desire personally to know the gender of my child before he or she is born. If my child was at risk for a gender-specific genetic disease, I may choose to find out, but only that it may prepare my mentally for the possibility of a special needs child, not so I could abort a potentially imperfect baby.