Choosing a Pediatrician and Obstetrician

A good obstetrician is one who not only has excellent credentials and skills but also helps a woman feel safe and relaxed, who is open to sharing her views on the childbirth experience and who can provide complete prenatal, labor and delivery care.

Find an obstetrician affiliated with Greenwich Hospital: Find a Doctor / Obstetrics

Birth Plan

Before interviewing prospective obstetricians, individuals or couples may want to prepare a list of questions that cover major areas of concern. Many women choose to create a “birth plan.” This is a simple way to outline preferences about the pregnancy and childbirth experience you hope to have. Birth plans can cover a wide array of options – from pain relief options to who should be present in the labor room.

Choosing a Pediatrician

Parents should research and select a pediatrician before their baby is born. This allows time to make an informed choice. It's a good idea to start compiling a list of candidates about four months before the baby’s due date. Recommendations can come from various sources, including obstetricians, family practitioners, friends, relatives or neighbors.

Find a pediatrician affiliated with Greenwich Hospital: Find a Doctor / Pediatrics

Good candidates should be medically qualified, open to parents’ thoughts and feelings, and share similar views regarding childhood development. Insurance coverage may also be important to consider as you choose a pediatrician.

By law, Greenwich Hospital must report each birth to the State of Connecticut. This report must name a pediatrician who will be responsible for the infant’s care after discharge. An early decision on your child’s pediatrician helps make this process go more smoothly.

All newborns must be seen by a pediatrician during their hospital stay. If a child’s pediatrician is not affiliated with Greenwich Hospital, the baby will be cared for by a Greenwich Hospital pediatrician until discharged. (Please note: parents may receive a separate bill from the pediatrician for a newborn’s care.)

Information and Support

The Tender Beginnings Pregnancy and Parenting Program at Greenwich Hospital offers a variety of programs for women who are thinking about becoming pregnant and for the expectant family.

Offerings include “Orientation to Pregnancy” and “Pediatrician Night”.

See the Pregnancy and Parenting Calender