Pediatrics

Pediatricians have the unique role of nurturing and educating children and their parents along the entire developmental spectrum. At Lompoc Health, our pediatric medical providers support children as they progress through milestones while paying keen attention to every aspect of their health and surrounding environment.

Our pediatric team is devoted to holistically caring for families and making parents our partners in helping the next generation achieve their optimal state of wellness. Read on to learn more about our pediatrics program at Lompoc Health. To find a pediatric provider, contact us today.

What is Pediatric Medicine?

Pediatrics encompasses the overall health maintenance and management of childhood health conditions starting in infancy and extending through young adulthood. Children's connection with their pediatric medicine providers is often priceless. Many children will continue seeing their pediatrician for as long as possible because they have come to feel like part of the family.

Traditionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considered the upper age limit of pediatric care to be age 21. However, in 2017, the AAP recommended against setting age limits on pediatric care in favor of letting families make a mutual decision that best suits each patient.

Why is Pediatric Medicine Different?

Ask any pediatrician, and they will tell you that young people are not just small adults. Children have unique developmental patterns, and their brains work differently from adults. To fully meet children and coach them appropriately, working with a medical provider who has a deep understanding and familiarity with the childhood growth process is essential.

Pediatric medicine is also very personal. Because pediatricians have followed a child's health status for nearly two decades, they have an intimate knowledge of each child's unique personality and how that personality can influence their particular health outcomes. Pediatricians see thousands of patients each year, so they have a finely-honed developmental stage concept and provide specific guidance. They also can help parents think ahead and anticipate upcoming health events and challenges.

Types of Pediatric Providers

Several health specialists, including: can provide pediatric medical care

A medical physician who has the title of MD or DO
A physician assistant who has the title of PA or PA-C
A nurse practitioner, who has the title of NP, PNP, or APRN

Regardless of whom your child is scheduled to see, rest assured that each medical provider is part of a collaborative healthcare community. Each pediatric provider is well-equipped to diagnose, manage, and treat pediatric problems – or refer to someone else with more specialization, as needed. Additionally, our providers who work with pediatric patients are passionate about youngsters. Each has a fantastic way of engaging with children.

Difference between Pediatrician and a Family Doctor

Although family medicine providers are fully qualified to provide medical care for children, the experience of visiting a family medicine clinic tends to be very different from that of a pediatrician's office. Our pediatric offices are decorated with bright colors and cheerful wall hangings. This helps children learn to consider a clinic trip a fun and exciting experience rather than provoking fear or anxiety.

Alongside our pediatric medical providers, the nurses and other allied health professionals in our pediatric offices are experts at working with children. Many are equipped with special tricks to help make clinic visits more manageable. You can expect clever maneuvers to distract from uncomfortable procedures and an overall playful spirit.

Problems Pediatricians Help Manage

Pediatricians are skilled at working with children of all ages. Here is a sample of how pediatricians care for children and their families by age group:

Newborns and Infancy:

Performing immunizations
Providing specialized support for feeding infants
Troubleshooting sleep problems
Assessing fine motor and gross motor progress
Conducting environmental safety checklists (such as proper car seat usage and household child-proofing tactics)
Monitoring of postnatal caregiver psychological health

Toddler Years:

Performing immunizations
Dietary guidance
Potty-training advice and troubleshooting
Guidance regarding speech and language development
Advice regarding various behavioral challenges

Elementary Years:

Pre-puberty guidance
Assessing developmental milestones
Providing advice related to school performance

Lompoc Health Pediatricians

Our pediatric team is committed to partnering with you to guide your child through every stage of development. The trusting and friendly relationships fostered through your child's periodic encounters with the pediatrician can give you both a stable source of comfort and peace of mind that you are being cared for at the highest level. Schedule a visit with one of our pediatric providers today to learn more.