We see you, new moms, and we’ve got your back.

Now, we can’t help with everything, but we can help with some things. Like hooking you up with expert advice on healthcare. Enter: Jennifer Palo, experienced family nurse practitioner at MUSC Health (and new mom herself), who knows a thing or two about choosing a primary care provider for you + your family.

Her first tip: Start looking for a primary care provider before transitioning out of Women’s Health. Feeling comfortable with your provider is key to cultivating a long-term relationship.

Once you find someone you like, here are her top five tips for preparing for your first appointment:

#1: Medical records. Be sure to bring past records with you for review, including immunizations, recent lab work, test results, + details about any pregnancy complications or ER visits.

#2: Questions. Write down questions you have + don’t hesitate to share them with your medical provider.

#3: Family history. Knowing this is helpful for your care team, especially when it comes to preventative care.

#4: Honesty. It’s important to be 100% honest about things like diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol use, as well as supplements + other medications taken.
#5: Contact info. Ask about how to get in touch with your provider. Is there a portal to view your results? (Like MyChart.) Can you schedule appointments online? Can you email your provider? Can you do virtual visits? These things are important for you + your family to know.

Click here for more advice about finding the right primary care provider for you + your growing family. 👨‍👩‍👧Ⓟ