Meeting your baby’s pediatrician before birth can calm a lot of nerves, especially when you choose a trusted Spokane clinic like Mt. Spokane Pediatrics. This guide walks you through the top questions to ask at your prenatal pediatric visit in Spokane and shows how our team supports your family from pregnancy through young adulthood.
Why Your Prenatal Pediatric Visit in Spokane Matters
Choosing a pediatrician is one of the first major health decisions you make for your baby, and it affects your whole family’s experience. A prenatal pediatric consultation in Spokane lets you meet the doctor, see the office, and decide whether their style fits your parenting values before your due date.
At Mt. Spokane Pediatrics, we offer free prenatal consultations so you can ask questions, understand our approach, and feel comfortable before your baby arrives. Our pediatricians care for children from birth through young adulthood, so the relationship you begin now can grow with your family.
What Is a Prenatal Pediatric Visit?
A prenatal pediatric visit, sometimes called a prenatal interview or prenatal meet‑and‑greet, is a short appointment scheduled while you are still pregnant. You sit down with a pediatrician, talk about your pregnancy, and ask anything you want to know about newborn care, vaccines, office policies, and after‑hours support.
Mt. Spokane Pediatrics offers free prenatal visits at our North Spokane office so you can meet one of our providers in person. During this visit, we commonly discuss newborn appointments, vaccinations, circumcision questions, breastfeeding support, and what to expect in the first days at home. Once your baby is born, our office typically makes sure your newborn can be seen within about 72 hours, and sooner when medically needed.
How to Prepare for Your Prenatal Pediatric Consultation in Spokane
Preparation helps you get the most from your prenatal visit, especially when time feels short and emotions run high. Before your appointment, write down your main concerns about newborn care, feeding, sleep, vaccines, and any family history of asthma, allergies, or chronic conditions.
It also helps to bring your pregnancy information, including your OB’s name, hospital plans, and any high‑risk details your maternal‑fetal specialist has shared. If asthma or allergies run in your family, note past reactions, medications, and the names of any Spokane allergy and asthma clinics you have already used. Finally, ask your partner or support person to join you, so both of you hear the pediatrician’s answers and can make a confident choice together.
Questions About the Pediatrician’s Background and Philosophy
1. “How long have you been practicing pediatrics in Spokane?”
Experience in the local community means your pediatrician understands Spokane’s hospitals, specialists, and common health trends. You can ask how long they have practiced in Spokane, which hospitals they work with, and whether they round on newborns at your chosen birth center.
At Mt. Spokane Pediatrics, our providers focus solely on pediatric care, from tiny newborns to busy teens and young adults. Because we are rooted in North Spokane, we understand local resources, school requirements, and how seasonal issues like wildfire smoke affect kids.
2. “Are you board‑certified and what is your care philosophy?”
Board certification shows the pediatrician has completed rigorous training and stays current with evidence‑based guidelines. You can ask whether they follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on wellness visits, vaccines, and developmental screenings.
You should also ask about their philosophy on antibiotics, alternative therapies, and working with different parenting styles. At Mt. Spokane Pediatrics, we focus on family‑centered, preventive care, and we take time to explain options so you can make informed decisions that fit your family’s values.
Questions About Newborn Care, Feeding, and Breastfeeding
3. “What happens at the first newborn visit?”
Parents often wonder how soon their baby will see the pediatrician after leaving the hospital. Ask when the first newborn visit should happen, what will be checked, and how your pediatrician communicates with your birth hospital.
Our team at Mt. Spokane Pediatrics typically ensures your newborn is seen within about 72 hours of discharge, and we may see your baby sooner if there are concerns. During that first visit, we check weight, feeding, jaundice, and overall adjustment, while answering your many early questions.
4. “How do you support breastfeeding and formula feeding?”
Feeding is one of the biggest worries for new parents, so this is an important topic for your prenatal meeting. Ask whether the clinic offers breastfeeding support, has on‑site lactation services, and how they support parents who choose formula or combination feeding.
Mt. Spokane Pediatrics offers dedicated breastfeeding support, including access to an IBCLC lactation specialist, so you can work through latch issues, pumping questions, and milk supply worries. We also guide families who use formula or mixed feeding, with a focus on safe preparation, responsive feeding, and realistic expectations.
5. “What are your recommendations for newborn care at home?”
During your prenatal pediatric consultation in Spokane, ask for practical guidance on cord care, bathing, nail trimming, and safe sleep routines. You can also discuss soothing strategies, swaddling, pacifiers, and safe baby gear, so you have a clear plan before your baby arrives.
At Mt. Spokane Pediatrics, we walk through newborn care step by step and share written resources when helpful, so you do not have to remember every detail. Because we continue seeing your baby for frequent well‑child visits in the first year, you can keep refining your routines as your baby grows.
Questions About Vaccines, Illness, and Acute Care
6. “What is your vaccine schedule and approach to questions?”
Vaccines protect your baby from serious illnesses, but many parents bring honest questions and worries to their prenatal meet‑and‑greet. Ask whether your pediatrician follows the standard vaccine schedule and how they explain benefits and possible side effects.
Our providers at Mt. Spokane Pediatrics follow evidence‑based vaccine guidelines and make time to answer questions openly, without judgment. We review which vaccines your newborn receives in the hospital and what to expect at each well‑child visit throughout the first years.
7. “Do you offer same‑day sick visits or after‑hours care?”
Babies do not get sick on a schedule, so access to acute care matters. Ask if the clinic provides same‑day or next‑day visits for illnesses and how they handle urgent questions after the office closes.
Mt. Spokane Pediatrics offers acute care appointments during regular hours and partners closely with Spokane Pediatric Urgent Care, our sister clinic in North Spokane. When you call after hours, we guide you on whether to wait for a clinic visit, head to pediatric urgent care, or go directly to the emergency room.
8. “What symptoms should make me call right away?”
During your prenatal pediatric visit in Spokane, ask the pediatrician to list common newborn symptoms that can wait and red‑flag signs that require urgent attention. Examples include fever in a very young baby, trouble breathing, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness.
At Mt. Spokane Pediatrics, we give clear guidelines tailored to your baby’s age, and we encourage parents to call whenever they feel unsure. It is easier to get reassurance early than to worry at home or delay care when your baby needs to be seen.
Questions About Asthma, Allergies, and Spokane’s Environment
9. “How do you manage asthma and allergies in children?”
Spokane families frequently deal with seasonal allergies, wildfire smoke, and respiratory issues, so asking about asthma and allergy care is smart. You can ask whether your pediatric practice diagnoses and manages asthma and allergies in‑house or partners with Spokane allergy and asthma clinics when needed.
Mt. Spokane Pediatrics provides pediatric asthma and allergy care, including assessment, treatment plans, and ongoing follow‑up. When children need specialized testing or advanced therapies, we coordinate care with local specialists such as Spokane Allergy & Asthma Clinic or Advanced Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
10. “How will you help us handle Spokane’s air quality and triggers?”
Ask how the clinic helps families navigate environmental triggers like pollen, smoke, and cold air, which often worsen asthma and allergies. Questions might include how to adjust medications during wildfire season, when to use rescue inhalers, and how to handle outdoor activities.
Our providers at Mt. Spokane Pediatrics create personalized asthma action plans so you know exactly what to do during flare‑ups. We also help you decide when to see us, when to visit pediatric urgent care, and when to head to the emergency room for breathing problems.
Questions About Behavioral Health and Development
11. “How do you track milestones and screen for developmental delays?”
Early childhood is full of changes, and it helps to know your pediatrician is watching development closely. During your prenatal pediatric consultation, ask how they monitor milestones like smiling, rolling, sitting, talking, and social skills.
Mt. Spokane Pediatrics uses routine developmental screening tools at well‑child visits and talks with you about any concerns. When needed, we refer families to early intervention, therapy, or specialist services so support starts as early as possible.
12. “What behavioral health support do you offer?”
Parenting touches mental health for both children and caregivers, so this is an important area to cover while you still have time to plan. Ask whether the clinic offers behavioral health services, counseling, or referrals for concerns like anxiety, ADHD, or mood changes.
Mt. Spokane Pediatrics includes behavioral health as a core part of our pediatric care, not an afterthought. We help families navigate sleep struggles, tantrums, school stress, and emotional changes, offering tools that grow with your child from toddler years through adolescence.
Questions About Office Logistics, Access, and Insurance
13. “Where are you located, and what are your hours?”
Convenience matters when you are juggling newborn life and work, so location and hours should be part of your decision. Ask where the clinic is in Spokane, how parking works, and what office hours look like throughout the week.
Mt. Spokane Pediatrics has a North Spokane office on East Holland Avenue, with business hours designed to support busy families. We also connect patients with Spokane Pediatric Urgent Care for evenings and weekends, so your child can still see pediatric specialists when our clinic is closed.
14. “How do I schedule appointments and contact you?”
Clear communication makes ongoing care much smoother. Ask whether you can schedule online, call directly, or send secure messages through a patient portal for non‑urgent questions.
You can reach Mt. Spokane Pediatrics by phone during clinic hours, and our contact page lists our numbers and directions for both locations. New families can also request appointments or ask questions through our website, making it easy to schedule that first prenatal pediatric visit in Spokane.
15. “Which insurance plans do you accept?”
Before your baby arrives, it helps to confirm that your pediatrician accepts your insurance and to understand how billing works. Ask which plans they take, whether they see newborns before baby is officially added to your policy, and how lab or vaccine charges are handled.
Our front desk at Mt. Spokane Pediatrics can review insurance details, discuss payment options, and help you plan for your baby’s first year of visits. When something is unclear, we encourage families to ask questions early so there are fewer surprises later.
People Also Ask: Quick Spokane Parent FAQs
“Can I meet a pediatrician before birth in Spokane?”
Yes, you can meet a pediatrician before birth in Spokane, and many practices strongly recommend it. Mt. Spokane Pediatrics offers complimentary prenatal pediatric visits so you can get to know your provider before you are busy with a newborn.
“Is a prenatal pediatric visit free?”
Several Spokane pediatric practices offer free prenatal meet‑and‑greets for expecting parents. Our prenatal pediatric consultations at Mt. Spokane Pediatrics are free, and you can call our office to choose a time that fits your schedule.
“When should I choose a pediatrician during pregnancy?”
Most experts suggest choosing a pediatrician by the third trimester so you have time to schedule your prenatal visit and add the pediatrician’s name to your hospital paperwork. However, if you are further along, it is still worth scheduling a prenatal pediatric consultation in Spokane as soon as possible, so you are not meeting your baby’s doctor for the first time when your newborn is already sick or struggling to feed.
“How soon will my baby see the pediatrician after birth?”
Newborns are usually seen within the first few days after going home, depending on hospital stay, birth weight, and any medical issues. At Mt. Spokane Pediatrics, we typically schedule newborn visits within about 72 hours of discharge and adjust that timing when closer monitoring is needed.
How Mt. Spokane Pediatrics Supports Your Family Before and After Birth
Choosing Mt. Spokane Pediatrics means choosing a pediatric home that grows with your child, from prenatal interviews to college physicals. We provide full pediatric care in Spokane, including prenatal consultations, breastfeeding support, well‑child visits, acute care, asthma and allergy management, and behavioral health services.
Because our team is grounded in the Spokane community, we understand local hospitals, urgent care options, and specialist clinics, including Spokane Pediatric Urgent Care and area allergy and asthma practices. Our goal is simple: to partner with you, answer your questions clearly, and support your child’s health from the moment you start planning for their arrival.
Ready to Schedule Your Free Prenatal Pediatric Visit in Spokane?
If you are expecting a baby in Spokane, now is the perfect time to schedule your prenatal pediatric consultation. Bring this list of top questions to your visit at Mt. Spokane Pediatrics so you feel prepared, confident, and supported as you step into life with your newborn.
You can call our North Spokane office or visit the Mt. Spokane Pediatrics contact page to book your free prenatal visit today. We look forward to welcoming your family and becoming your child’s medical home from birth through young adulthood.