Pediatrics Specialist

Harbor Community Health Centers specializes in pediatric care from birth through 18 years old. From the moment your new baby is born we are there to help you with questions and advice, and to ease your transition to parenthood by providing free diapers and formula (if needed) after every well-child visit.

Our well-child visits for your baby are important to ensure necessary preventative care, track your child’s growth and development, and establish a strong relationship with us as your pediatrician. After three years of age, we will keep your child on track with checkups every year to ensure that your child stays healthy during childhood and for setting the stage of a lifetime of good health. And of course, in addition to routine exams, your child should come in whenever he or she is sick, injured or is displaying unusual symptoms.

Let HCHC keep your children safe and healthy with vaccines, regular check ups and school and sports physical examinations from our pediatric care providers. Together, we can keep children doing what they do best: Learning and Growing.

Pediatric Care:

• Well Child Check-Ups
• Hearing & Vision Screenings
• Immunizations and Free Vaccine Program
• School & Sports Physicals
• Screening & Management of Chronic Conditions like Diabetes and Asthma
• Weight Management and Counseling

The doctors and medical staff at Harbor Community Health Centers have significant expertise in providing the most advanced pediatrics care for prevention and treatment of illnesses and diseases, helping children in San Pedro, CA, and throughout the Los Angeles and South Bay communities lead healthier lives. 

How often should my child have a pediatrics visit?

Starting at birth, your child should be set up with regular appointments with their pediatrician to ensure necessary preventative care. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should have well-child checkups from their first week of life, 1 month, 2 month, 4 month, 6 month, 12 month, 15 month, 18 month, 2 years, 2 ½ years, and then once a year from ages 3-18. During the first three years, office visits will occur more frequently to ensure your child receives the proper immunizations and to identify any issues that could have an impact on your child's development. Bringing your child in for regular pediatric visits is vitally important to ensuring your child stays healthy during childhood and for setting the stage of a lifetime of good health. And of course, in addition to routine exams, your child should come in whenever he or she is sick, injured or is displaying unusual symptoms.

What are the benefits of Well-Child Visits?

1. Prevention. Your child gets scheduled immunizations to prevent illness. You also can ask your pediatrician about nutrition and safety in the home and at school.
2. Tracking growth and development. See how much your child has grown in the time since your last visit, and talk with your doctor about your child's development. You can discuss your child's milestones, social behaviors and learning.
3. Raising concerns. Make a list of topics you want to talk about with your child's pediatrician such as development, behavior, sleep, eating or getting along with other family members. Bring your top three to five questions or concerns with you to talk with your pediatrician at the start of the visit.
4. Team approach. Regular visits create strong, trustworthy relationships among pediatrician, parent and child. The AAP recommends well-child visits as a way for pediatricians and parents to serve the needs of children. This team approach helps develop optimal physical, mental and social health of a child.

Can my teenager visit the pediatrician?

Yes, pediatrics includes care for teens as well as younger children.

What happens during a pediatric well visit?

Your child's pediatrics visit will begin with a medical history and a discussion of any current issues to help guide care. Height, weight and blood pressure will all be measured and recorded. General examinations will be conducted to check your child's ears, eyes, throat, and nose. We also listen to your child's lungs and check your child's stomach for any signs of tenderness. You and your child may be provided with guidance and education on how to stay healthy, including advice on diet and physical activity. If your child is due for any immunizations, those will be provided as well. Finally, there will be plenty of time for you and your child to ask questions.

How can I tell which immunizations my child needs and when they need them?

At Harbor Community Health Centers, we have extensive experience in providing immunizations according to the schedules and recommendations set out by health agencies as well as ensuring your child has the required vaccinations to attend school.

Pediatric services available only at the following Harbor Community Health Centers locations:

425 South Pacific Avenue