Many moms and dads often underestimate the role of a pediatrician in their baby's life. Meanwhile, the local doctor is the person with whom the child will constantly meet until the very moment of adulthood. And it is from the pediatrician that the he alth 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 solution. Only having a clear idea of who a pediatrician is, a young mother can correctly evaluate the work of a doctor and, if necessary, change the attending therapist. So, let's get to know the main doctor in a child's life and find out if the baby really needs him.
Who is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in childhood illnesses. In Russia, pediatrics began to be singled out as a separate branch back in 1847, when it became obvious that the peculiarities of children's anatomy and physiology cause a different course.physiological processes than in an adult organism. In this regard, it was considered necessary to take into account the age categories of patients, introduce developmental standards and establish special dosages of drugs for children.
There are several specializations in pediatrics. The local pediatrician is a therapist for children. In addition, there are pediatric traumatologists, neonatologists, surgeons and other speci alties.
When to see a pediatrician?
As soon as the baby is born, he becomes a monthly patient of his district doctor. Visiting a doctor once a month is necessary for routine examinations, assessing the development of the child, and receiving new tips on caring for a grown baby. Visits to the pediatrician are also necessary before vaccinations, as the doctor must make sure that the patient is in a normal condition in order to avoid side effects from the vaccine.
You need to see a pediatrician if:
- Child's malaise, various pains.
- Signs of Allergy.
- Fever.
- Change in skin color.
- Diarrhea, diarrhoea, constipation.
- Overheating or hypothermia.
- Other issues.
How does a pediatrician work?
In Russia, pediatricians work according to a certain scheme - each of them is assigned a certain 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.
Pediatrician exercisingexaminations of the child in his district office in the clinic, and also makes visits to the family on his own. As a rule, in the first months of life, the doctor periodically comes without warning to assess the conditions of the child and make sure that proper care is being taken. The pediatrician will also come home on a phone call from parents, if there is a reason for this.
The activity of the doctor is also aimed at observing the child's vaccination schedule and maintaining his medical records. Periodically, the pediatrician prescribes scheduled examinations from narrow specialists. As a rule, this happens several times before the age of one, and then when entering a new educational institution - a kindergarten or school.
How to prepare for a visit to the clinic?
First of all, you should study the schedule of pediatricians. Mom can take a picture of the work schedule of her site, so that in the future she does not waste time calling the receptionist. It is worth noting that certain days are intended for routine examinations of infants. He althy older children are also brought in these days for vaccinations or other purposes.
For the first visit to the pediatrician, the mother will need the policy of the child and his birth certificate, so that a card is created for the baby. If there are any tests, then they should be taken with you - they will be useful to the doctor. For the little ones you will need:
- A small sheet or diaper.
- A bottle of water, formula or milk.
- Diapers and wipes.
- Toy to distract 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 the appointment, it is necessary 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 loudly indignant.
What can a pediatrician cure?
Often, a pediatrician diagnoses a disease and sends for treatment to a highly specialized specialist, prescribing preliminary studies and tests. But the local doctor treats some diseases himself - colds, allergies, anemia, rickets, poisoning, and so on.
Neonatologist
Who is a neonatal pediatrician? Few people know that a neonatologist, a doctor from the maternity hospital, becomes the baby's first doctor. The profession of neonatologist appeared relatively recently, starting in 1987. These doctors are called upon to monitor babies in the first minutes after birth, as well as while they are in the maternity hospital or the neonatal unit.
The tasks of a neonatologist include resuscitation of newborns, detection of pathologies and assistance in caring for the baby. If the child was born prematurely, it will be the neonatologist who will nurse him. The role of these doctors can hardly be overestimated, because thanks to the emergence of neonatologists, infant mortality among children under one year old has decreased significantly.
What should your doctor be like?
Being a pediatrician is incredibly difficult, because many of his little patients still do not know how to talk, and modernparents often argue with doctors. First of all, the doctor needs to correctly understand the causes of the baby’s ailments, see the signs of an incipient disease, and prescribe the correct treatment and care. It is important to convince parents of your professionalism, to win their trust and respect.
But we should not forget about communication with a small patient, so a visit to a talented pediatrician can sometimes resemble a real theatrical performance. A doctor who is not indifferent to his profession will definitely show sensitivity and goodwill, attract the child's attention with artistry and a creative approach.
So what makes a good pediatrician?
- Have an appropriate education and the right to work with children, constantly improve their skills and be aware of modern methods of diagnosis and treatment.
- Navigate childcare issues.
- Be able to behave with parents firmly and confidently, but not haughtily.
- Find a common language with children, win them over.
Young parents need to know who a pediatrician is and what qualities he should have. After all, only then will they be able to fully trust their doctor and follow his advice.
