Pediatrician or Family Practice

My daughter was not premie and didn't have any complications, but was under the 5th percentile for growth. She has been developing fine with all milestones hit and is now 4 and reading, can do some addition, very bright. She is a bit slower than other kids her age, but that is due to her leg length being shorter and just not covering as much ground.

A pediatrician would be more inclined to be versed about child development and would probably see more of the minor problems and be able to recommend the most appropriate path of care. Where a family practice doc. sees everyone of all ages, so, not as many kids are coming through his/her door and may not be as well versed with the current treatments for kids with certain circumstances.
D.

If you have a choice, I would go with a pediatrician. My triplets were born 32w6d and spent about 3 weeks in the hopital, coming home on different days. We found a pediatrician that had expertise with multiples and preemies. There are some great family doctors out there. That's what we use right now because that's all that's in this area that we're at, and she's excellent. But, to me, a pediatrician is specialized in just children's health, where a family doctor has a generalized experience across the board. I say, go with a pediatrician and be sure to ask how much experience they have with preemies, how long they've been in practice and such. You have all the right in the world to request an "interview" to ask questions, either in person or over the phone.

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets

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You definitely want a pediatrician. Family practice docs are wonderful but for a baby you want a doc that specializes in babies. My son was a 32 week preemie and spent 6 weeks in the hospital and you would never know by looking at him now.

I would definatly go to a pediatrican, it's all they do! Mine is Dr. Sarah Whiley, http://www.kwanyinhealingarts.com/pactitioners/dr-sarah-w...
She is wonderful! She also specializes in fertility, pregnancy, & post partum support as well. I love her!

Low Percentiles don't necesarily mean a problem. If finding a ped makes you feel better, go for it! But don't let yourself worry about the what if's. If she seems to be developing well now, don't worry about it. It seems like she is a healthy girl, who is a on the small side. Keep feeding her and loving her and she will develope greatly :)

I agree with Karen. Find a pediatrician. Other than the fact that you have a preemie, peds are specialized in children. As much as we sometimes think so, they aren't little adults. Children have specific problems that are better addressed by someone more knowledgeable in children. My family dr. told me the same thing yours did. She could give vaccines or general check ups, but if there was ever a more specific problem, she would refer me to a ped. And, like Karen said, take your time & interview.

I used a family practice doctor because I liked the idea that one doctor treats the whole family. But, when insurance changed and we could no longer see that doctor, we chose a pediatrician. The pediatrician solved an issue we had been having with our daughter for years, in 5 minutes with a treatment our family practice doctor had never heard of. I swear by using pediatricians now because they know so much more about kids and their individual specific needs. They are much more up to date on new treatments.