Start before delivery
Choosing your baby’s clinician during the second or early third trimester gives you time to compare options. Ask your OB team, insurer, and trusted families for names. The American Academy of Pediatrics also offers a pediatrician directory. AAP: Choosing a pediatrician
Questions worth asking
- Are you accepting newborns and our insurance?
- Who sees the baby in the hospital?
- How soon can we schedule the first visit after discharge?
- Are same-day sick visits available?
- How do we reach someone after hours?
- What breastfeeding and feeding support is available?
- How do you coordinate care if a specialist is needed?
Look for a clinician who listens, explains clearly, and welcomes questions. AAP: Finding a pediatrician
Discuss vaccines openly
Ask which evidence-based vaccine schedule the practice follows, how it handles questions, and what its policies are. Vaccines protect babies before they encounter serious infections. An unneeded delay leaves a longer period without protection. AAP: Recommended immunization schedule
Frequently asked questions
Does the pediatrician need privileges at my delivery hospital?
Not necessarily. A hospital clinician may provide newborn care and send records to your chosen practice.
When should the first office visit happen?
Follow the discharge team’s instructions. Many newborns need follow-up within a few days, sooner if feeding, weight, or jaundice needs monitoring.
Can Dr. Malik be my baby’s pediatrician?
Obstetric and pediatric care are separate. Ask the office for help identifying newborn-care resources.
Questions about your pregnancy? Contact Davie ObGyn in Davie, Florida, at 954-880-1010. New and established patients are welcome. This information supports your prenatal care and does not replace an individual medical assessment. For urgent symptoms, call your care team promptly; for an emergency, call 911. Do not use a routine online message for urgent symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: September 26, 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.