When should I schedule a newborn visit?
Your baby’s first exam happens at the hospital, but the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests you have another visit just a few days after your immediate discharge from the hospital. Usually, your first visit occurs within 3-5 days of birth.
What happens during a newborn visit?
The newborn visit is your baby’s first post-hospital evaluation. The team wants to make sure everything is still going well with your baby’s feedings, sleep, and elimination schedule. They also want to check on you, the mother, to see if you have questions or concerns. A lot of attention is spent towards the new parents ensuring they have adequate support.
After a comprehensive review of your baby’s medical history and evaluation of their behavior, the team at Northern Virginia Internal Medicine and Pediatrics evaluates your baby’s:
- Height
- Weight
- Body temperature
- Skin health
- Neurologic status
- Head circumference
The providers also examine your baby’s umbilical cord to make sure it’s healing properly and that the area is free of infection. During this visit, your baby receives the first dose of important vaccinations that protect them from serious diseases, including mumps, measles, and whooping cough.
If your baby did not receive a metabolic/hemoglobin screening at the hospital, the staff at Northern Virginia Internal Medicine and Pediatrics will provide it. This test checks for inherited disorders like hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease.
What types of concerns should I raise at a newborn visit?
As the parent of a newborn, you probably have lots of questions. Feel free to ask about breastfeeding, sleep habits, and home safety. You can also get information about hygiene, including bathing and diaper care, as well as what to do if your baby shows signs of illness.
The team at Northern Virginia Internal Medicine and Pediatrics provides customized treatments and solutions for common conditions, like colic, diaper rash, ear infections, and teething.
If you, as a mom, are suffering any troubling symptoms, raise those at the newborn visit, too. You may be struggling with breastfeeding or getting adequate sleep.
The providers can also help you if you’re experiencing the baby blues, characterized by irritability, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and crying jags. They’ll monitor you to make sure the blues don’t develop into full-blown postpartum depression.
If you’re a new parent, schedule your newborn visit at Northern Virginia Internal Medicine and Pediatrics today. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
