Caring F/your Baby+young Child

Foreword The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 53,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. This book is part of the Academy's ongoing education efforts to provide parents with quality information on a broad spectrum of children's health issues. What distinguishes this child-care book from the many others in bookstores and on library shelves is that it has been developed and extensively reviewed by members of the American Academy of Pediatrics. A six-member editorial board developed the initial material with the assistance of more than seventy-five contributors and reviewers. The final draft was then reviewed by countless numbers of pediatricians. Because medical information on children's health is constantly changing, every effort has been made to ensure that this book contains the most up-to-date information available. It is the Academy's hope that this book will become an invaluable resource and reference guide for parents. We believe it is the best source of information on matters of children's health and well-being. We are confident readers will find the book extremely valuable, and we encourage them to use this book in concert with the advice and counsel of their own pediatrician who will provide individual guidance and help on issues related to the health of their children. Joe M. Sanders, Jr., M.D. Executive Director American Academy of Pediatrics Choosing a Pediatrician Every pediatrician is committed to helping parents raise healthy children with the greatest possible ease, comfort, pleasure, and success. However, different pediatricians have different approaches, so you may want to interview several pediatricians before selecting the one who best suits your family's particular preferences and needs. Conduct these visits before the baby arrives, so the pediatrician you choose can give your newborn her very first exam. Here are some considerations to help you make your choice: The Training of Pediatricians Pediatricians are graduates of four-year medical schools with three additional years of residency training solely in pediatrics. Under supervised conditions, the pediatrician-in-training acquires the knowledge and skills necessary to treat a broad range of conditions, from the mildest childhood illnesses to the most serious diseases. With the completion of residency training, the pediatrician is eligible to take a written examination given by the American Board of Pediatrics. If he or she passes this examination, a certificate is issued, which you will probably see on the pediatrician's office wall. If you see the initials FAAP after a pediatrician's name, it means he or she is a Fellow (member) of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Only Board-certified pediatricians can become members of this professional organization. Following their residency, some pediatricians elect an additional one to three years of training in a subspecialty, such as neonatology (the care of sick and premature newborns) or pediatric cardiology (the diagnosis and treatment of heart problems in children). These pediatric subspecialists are generally called upon to consult with general pediatricians when a patient develops uncommon or special problems. If a subspecialist is ever needed to treat your child, your regular pediatrician will help you find the right one for your child's problem. How to Find a Pediatrician for Your Baby[read more]