Recommendations for pediatrician in Alexandria/Arlington area?

[Anonymous]

I'm 21 weeks and starting to think about researching/looking for a pediatrician, as some of my books and timelines I've seen say to start looking around now. A friend of mine (who lives elsewhere) just recommended that if I were going to breastfeed, which I hope to do, that I find a practice that has a lactation consultant on staff. Besides that, any recommendations? I live in Alexandria outside Old Town and work in Arlington. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I love love love Children's Medical Associates (CMA) in Alexandria (395 and little river turnpike). They have a lactation consultant on staff and schedule you to meet with her on baby's first visit. I find the doctors practical and open to discussing my concerns and wishes - just the mix I wanted. Plus, one of the doctors called me when my son was five weeks old just to 'follow up on a note in my files and make sure everything was okay.' I had totally forgotten about the question/problem, but she hadn't. That's my kind of doctor.

[Anonymous]

I also love Children's Medical Associates (CMA) in Alexandria (395 and little river turnpike). Every single doctor and nurse that I have seen so far has been good, and I've met with almost all of them now. For the first meeting with a new baby, I would recommend Teresa or one of the lactation consultants, if you need assistance with breastfeeding. Also, as a first-time and single parent, I have been able to ask any and all questions--they have been a wonderful help to me.

[Anonymous]

One more for chiming in for CMA! Having a lactation consulatant readily available was so critical to our breastfeeding success and I've been impressed with all the doctors.

[Anonymous]

Loved CMA when we lived in the area. My son was born the Wed. before Labor Day with Jaundice--we were able to bring him in every day over the holiday weekend to be checked.
Their website is www.cmanva.com

[Anonymous]

Forgive me my ignorance - what do I have to do to get things going with a pediatrician? Do I just go there ahead of time and give them insurance info, etc?

[Anonymous]

Some places (like CMA) will give tours for prospective patients. Once you have selected your pediatrician, you just provide that info to the hospital where you deliver and if your ped is affliated with that hospital s/he will check on your baby while you are in the hospital each day. If your ped isn't affiliated, I think you just have another ped from the hospital do those checks. After you are discharged, you will usually go to see the pediatrician in about a week (earlier if there are any concerns, such as weight gain issues or jaundice).

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if the CMA docs will agree to an alternative/delayed vaccination schedule?

[Anonymous]

I am almost positive that they will, though I did not ask for it specifically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know if the CMA docs will agree to an alternative/delayed vaccination schedule?

I bet if you call and ask they'll talk to you about it. Nurses ALWAYS answer the phones there, which is nice when you're a new mom and have a million questions.