Article by Article by Dr. Andy Sagan
These are questions I am most frequently asked by soon-to-be parents during prenatal visits.
When is the office open?
Weekday mornings, afternoons and some evenings. We also having morning hours for acutely ill patients only, and we are closed Sunday.
How do I get help when the office is closed?
A provider remains available on-call by phone to help you with urgent health concerns. We utilize The Children's Memorial Hospital for urgent and emergency care services.
Will my child be seen by the same provider each visit?
Getting to know you and your family over time is an essential and rewarding aspect of pediatric care, so I encourage you to schedule routine visits with the same provider when possible. When available, your primary provider will also see your child for sick visits.
When are the routine "well-child" appointments?
We generally see newborns within the first two weeks then regular well-child checkups during the first year at two, four, six, nine and twelve months. Vaccines are given at each visit.
Can I get advice without an appointment?
Questions about non-urgent issues often arise and our registered nurses answer such questions by phone, however our nurses are busy and we encourage you to seek out answers to non-urgent questions elsewhere before calling. I am happy to return your calls when requested, usually after hours.
How do I select this practice?
When your baby arrives, specify a doctor from our practice when asked. We will be notified. I share nursery duties with my partner on a rotation basis, so one or more of us will see you in the nursery.
How do you characterize your style of care?
I am thorough and practical in my approach to health care, considering the needs of parents as well as a child's health when offering advice. "What would I do if this were my child" is the standard guiding my treatment decisions. I emphasize development and parenting strategies routinely.
Do you support breast-feeding?
I recommend nursing as the healthiest nutrition. However, your optimal feeding method depends upon your preferences and practical considerations, and I am happy to help you with that decision.
Are you concerned about antibiotic usage?
I am pleased so many parents ask about this issue as I am concerned about antibiotic overuse. I exercise caution in prescribing all medications, especially antibiotics.
What is your position on circumcision?
No significant health benefits from circumcision are known and it should be considered an elective, not routine procedure. It is usually performed by the obstetrician in the hospital.
What about immunizations?
We strongly encourage you to immunize your child. Not immunizing raises both ethical and medical/legal issues from our perspective.
Are there other things we should have asked?
Not really, but here are a few suggestions:
Prepare for Nursing Success:
Nursing is usually established easily, but not always, and when difficulty arises it can become stressful and challenging. A new mother needs rest and comfort, even more when nursing. Try to invite only those you consider supportive to help early on. Be selfish with your time and space. Women who have flat or short breast nipples (when stimulated) may have difficulty nursing and should address this with their obstetrician or me now. Women with medical conditions should discuss the use of medications during lactation with their doctor.
Parental Leave:
The period just after your child arrives, especially your first child, is extraordinary. I urge both parents to take leave, or work a reduced schedule for a while. At about three months, just as many parents are returning to work, an infant's social skills begin to accelerate in a very endearing manner. You wont want to miss a minute, so a four month parental leave is nice if possible.
Love and Strain:
New mothers often develop an annoying case of chronic tendonitis in their wrists from picking up an infant (or two) all day long. I recommend doing some wrist strengthening and stretching exercises in the last trimester to help avoid this.
