Your child will begin to develop a relationship with a pediatrician in the very first days after coming home from the hospital and continue that relationship into their late teens. It is important to foster a strong relationship with your child's pediatrician, beginning with choosing a doctor that your family can trust. Start by scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Hildegard Emslander, Dr. Lora Folz, and Dr. Jason Hagely at JC Peds in Jefferson City, MO.

What Does a Pediatrician Do?

A pediatrician is a doctor who specifically focuses on treating and caring for newborns, toddlers, preteens, and teenagers up to 18. As the child is still in their growth and development stages, they have unique physical, emotional, and behavioral needs. A pediatrician can identify and diagnose health conditions in the early stages of childhood to provide more effective therapies and prescribe necessary medications. Common childhood conditions that pediatricians treat include asthma, cold and flu viruses, allergies, ear infections, and behavioral disorders like ADHD.

Building a Relationship with Your Child’s Pediatrician

You and your child can begin developing a relationship with your pediatrician at each well-child appointment. During the first year, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should see their doctor at one to three-month intervals, depending on their age. These appointments allow your child to build trust and familiarity with the doctor so that they feel comfortable and safe going to health appointments in the future.

Things to Ask Your Pediatrician

Every child’s health needs are different, but these are some of the basic questions that you should have prepared for your Jefferson City, MO, pediatrician:

• Is the child developing and growing normally and on schedule?
• How is the child's vision and hearing?
• Is the child a normal weight and height for their age?
• What additional steps can the family and parents take to ensure the child's health and well-being?
• What foods and nutritional supplements can help the child's growth process and ability to succeed at school?

The Pediatrician You Choose Matters

Once you meet and build a relationship with your pediatrician, you may begin to relax more, knowing that your child is in good hands. Call (573) 606-7337 today to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at JC Peds in Jefferson City, MO. Dr. Hildegard Emslander, Dr. Lora Folz and Dr. Jason Hagely provide quality care for children of all ages.