Your baby wakes up in the middle of the night with a runny nose and a cough. You take her temp and it reads 99.7. Is it allergies? A cold coming on? Is it worth calling the on-call nurse? Will she think you’re just being paranoid and be irritated that you called? What if it turns into something worse by the morning?

Not only have I seen parents encountering this situation countless times in my years as a pediatrician, I’ve actually asked myself the same questions. And once you’re finally in front of the doctor, it can be equally as nerve wracking to make sure that you get the best care for your child. What if your child’s symptoms are gone by the time you get to your appointment? How do you describe that you know something just isn’t “right”?

I want to demystify the process of talking to your pediatrician, so that you can know exactly how to make the most out of your visits with your doctor. Here are 6 things to keep in mind next time you’re making a trip to the doctor’s office.

First things first, trust your gut.

You know your child better than anyone else, so if something feels off, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call your pediatrician. Whether it's a small cough or a lingering fever, your intuition is a powerful tool in advocating for your child's health. And truthfully, we moms need to start trusting our guts with our kids in a whole lotta areas. Not just their health.

Second, when it comes to choosing a pediatrician, don't be afraid to be choosy.

Look for a doctor who is not only trained specifically in pediatrics, but also someone you feel comfortable with. Your pediatrician should be someone you can trust and who welcomes all your questions and concerns with open arms. Never allow your concerns to be dismissed or to leave an appointment with questions you didn’t ask (or worse, that they didn’t answer or find a resource for!)

Third, there’s lots of times when this applies, but when you're at the doctor's office, honesty is for sure the best policy.

Just like you need to be honest when your doctor asks how much exercise you’re getting or how many drinks you’re consuming in a week, be upfront about your child's symptoms and the duration of their illness. Details matter, and even small differences in symptoms can lead to different treatment approaches. A 24 hour fever is different from a 5 day fever. And I’d ask a lot more clarifying questions at that point as well. Remember, your pediatrician is there to help, not judge, so don't be afraid to share what's really going on.

Fourth, trust that we believe you.

When you say your kid has been miserable the last few days, we get it. You don't need to prove how sick your child is by letting them suffer through a fever until your doctor's appointment. It's perfectly okay to give them fever-reducing medication beforehand. In fact, it can sometimes be easier for doctors to accurately assess your child's condition by how it reacts to those over the counter meds. 

Fifth, remember that illnesses can shift day by day, or even hour by hour.

And pediatricians get this. What may seem like a minor issue one moment can escalate into something more serious the next. That's why we give so many after-visit instructions and encourage follow-up appointments if needed. Don't hesitate to reach out if your child's condition changes or doesn't improve as expected.

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask questions.

Your pediatrician is here to guide you through your child's illness and recovery process. Whether you're seeking clarification on a diagnosis or wondering when your child will be back to their usual self, your pediatrician WANTS to help you and to set your mind at ease. So, don't hold back – ask away!

Dealing with a sick child can be one of the toughest parts of being a working mom. But remember, you're not alone. Your pediatrician is here to support you every step of the way. Trust your instincts, be honest, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Together, we'll get through those doctor visits and get your little one back to their happy, healthy selves in no time.