Questions parents ask their paediatrician
The things we get asked most, answered plainly.
When do I need to take my baby for a well-baby check-up?
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- Then yearly
Why do I need to bring my child for a well-baby check-up?
- A full body assessment of all vital organs, for example the heart.
- An evaluation of your baby's developmental progress, including fine motor, gross motor, speech and social development.
- A growth assessment plotted on a graph: head circumference, weight and length.
- Specialised health education.
- An assessment of nutritional needs.
What should I remember when I go to the paediatrician's office?
- Dress your baby in a baby vest.
- Bring the vaccination card.
- Bring a soothing object for the baby.
- Your baby will be weighed without their nappy.
- Ask questions.
What can I expect when my child is admitted into hospital?
- The doctor does rounds between 08:00 and 11:00.
- Please bring a new tin of formula milk and marked bottles.
- One parent may stay with their child.
- Your child's condition will be explained and you are welcome to ask questions.
- Nursing staff are well trained and will look after your little one the best they can.
- If your child needs ICU care, the doctor will transfer your child to the nearest ICU facility.
- Necessary procedures, for example sedation or lumbar puncture, will be done by the doctor.
What does a paediatrician do?
A paediatrician is a medical doctor who has specialised in the health of babies, children and teenagers. That covers routine well-baby check-ups, growth and development, immunisation advice, everyday illnesses, allergies and asthma, and longer-term conditions, as well as hospital care when a child needs to be admitted. Dr Lambrechts is a registered paediatrician (FCPaed(SA)) based at Life Groenkloof Hospital in Pretoria.
Paediatrician or pediatrician: is there a difference?
No. Paediatrician is the British and South African spelling, pediatrician is the American spelling. Both mean a children's doctor. In South Africa you will also hear kinderarts in Afrikaans.
What ages does the practice see?
Children from 7 days of age up to 13 years. If your child was treated at our practice before the age of 13, we may continue to see them up to the age of 16.
Do you offer phone or video consultations?
No. Our consultations and treatments require your little one to be present for the doctor to provide the best possible care. All consultations are in person and by appointment only.
How do payments and medical aid work?
We accept both card and cash payments. For non-Discovery members, an upfront consultation fee of R950 applies, which you can claim back from your medical aid. Any outstanding accounts must be settled before your next consultation.