Many mothers and fathers often underestimate the role of the pediatrician in the life of their baby. Meanwhile, the district doctor is the person with whom the child will constantly meet until the moment of adulthood. And it is from the pediatrician that the health of the crumbs and its physical and mental development largely depend.
Sometimes, without any reason, parents do not trust the advice of a pediatrician and prefer the experience of the older generation to the recommendations of a qualified specialist. Unfortunately, this may not always be the right decision. Only having a clear idea of who the pediatrician is, can a young mother correctly assess the work of the doctor and, if necessary, change the attending physician. So, we will get to know the main doctor in the life of the child better and find out whether the baby really needs it.
What is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a doctor specializing in childhood diseases. In Russia, pediatrics began to be singled out as a separate industry as early as 1847, when it became obvious that the characteristics of pediatric anatomy and physiology determine a different course of physiological processes than in an adult. In this regard, they considered it necessary to take into account the age categories of patients, introduce development standards and establish special dosages of drugs for children.
In pediatrics, there are several specializations. The local pediatrician is a therapist for children. In addition, there are pediatric traumatologists, neonatologists, surgeons and other specialties.
When to contact a pediatrician?
As soon as the baby is born, he becomes a monthly patient of his local doctor. Visiting a doctor once a month is necessary for routine examinations, evaluating the development of the child, and getting new tips on caring for a grown up baby. Visits to the pediatrician are also necessary before vaccinations, as the doctor must make sure that the patient is in good condition to avoid side effects from the vaccine.
You need to receive a pediatrician in the following cases:
- The malaise of the child, pain of a different nature.
- Signs of an allergy.
- Fever.
- Discoloration of the skin.
- Diarrhea, diarrhea, constipation.
- Overheating or hypothermia.
- Other problems.
How does a pediatrician work?
In Russia, pediatricians work according to a certain pattern - each of them is assigned a specific area of the city, called a site. The site is assigned a number, and children living in the territory entrusted to the doctor become his wards from birth until adulthood.
The pediatrician carries out examinations of the child in his district office in the clinic, and also independently visits the family. As a rule, in the first months of life, the doctor periodically comes without warning to evaluate the conditions of the child and to ensure proper care for him. The pediatrician will also come home by phone from his parents, if there is reason for this.
The doctor’s activities are also aimed at observing the child’s vaccination calendar and maintaining his medical records. Periodically, the pediatrician appoints scheduled examinations with narrow specialists. As a rule, this happens several times before the age of one year, and then when entering a new educational institution - a kindergarten or school.
How to prepare for a visit to the clinic?
First of all, it is worth studying the schedule of pediatricians. Mom can take a photo of her site’s work schedule so that she doesn’t waste time on calls to the registry in the future. It is worth noting that certain days are intended for routine examinations of infants. These days they also bring healthy older children for vaccinations or other purposes.
For the first visit to the pediatrician, the mother will need a child’s policy and his birth certificate so that a card is brought to the baby. If there are any tests, then they should be taken with you - they will be useful to the doctor. For the smallest you will need:
- A small sheet or diaper.
- Bottle of water, mixture or milk.
- Diapers and wipes.
- A toy to distract the baby.
- Nipple.
Many parents underestimate the psychological preparation of the child, after which they are surprised by unexpected tears in the doctor’s office. Before taking it, you need to explain to the baby who the pediatrician is and what he will do. Even a crumb should not be silently dragged into an unfamiliar office with strange devices. He has every right to be frightened and outrageously loud.
What can a pediatrician cure?
Often a pediatrician diagnoses the disease and sends for treatment to a narrow-profile specialist, appointing preliminary studies and tests. But the local doctor treats some diseases himself - colds, allergies, anemia, rickets, poisoning, and more.
Neonatologist
What is a newborn pediatrician? Few people know that the neonatologist, the doctor from the hospital, becomes the first doctor of the baby. The profession of a neonatologist appeared relatively recently, starting in 1987. These doctors are designed to monitor babies in the first minutes after birth, as well as while in the maternity hospital or ward for newborns.
The tasks of a neonatologist include resuscitation of newborns, the identification of pathologies and assistance in caring for the baby. If the baby was born prematurely, it will be taken care of by the neonatologist. The role of these doctors can hardly be overestimated, because thanks to the appearance of neonatologists, infant mortality among children under one year has decreased significantly.
What should be your doctor?
Being a pediatrician is incredibly difficult, because many of his small patients still do not know how to talk, and modern parents often argue with doctors. First of all, the doctor must correctly understand the causes of the baby’s malaise, see the signs of an incipient disease, prescribe the right treatment and care. It is important to convince parents of their professionalism, to win their trust and respect.
But you can’t forget about communicating with a small patient, so a visit to a talented pediatrician can sometimes resemble a real theater performance. A doctor who is not indifferent to his profession will necessarily show sensitivity and goodwill, will attract the child's attention with artistry and a creative approach.
So what should a good pediatrician be like?
- Have the appropriate education and the right to work with children, constantly improve their skills and know about modern methods of diagnosis and treatment.
- Focus on child care.
- Be able to behave with parents firmly and confidently, but not down.
- To find a common language with children, to have them to themselves.
Young parents need to know who the pediatrician is and what qualities he should possess. After all, only then will they be able to fully trust their doctor and follow his advice.