What is a new parent consultation?
A new parent consultation is an appointment geared towards your needs as an expectant parent. In particular, new parent consultations at Northern Virginia Internal Medicine and Pediatrics focus on the needs of first-time parents and first-time-in-a-long-time parents.
What can I expect during my new parent consultation?
During the new parent consultation, the team helps you prepare for your new addition in a variety of ways. They’ll discuss all areas of new baby care, including topics such as:
- Eating
- Sleeping
- Soothing
- Growth and weight gain
- Playing
- Breastfeeding or formula feeding
- Umbilical stump care
- Clothing
- Medical care
- Traveling
- Preparing your home
Your new parent consultation is an excellent opportunity to ask questions, receive customized advice, and learn about the resources you can rely upon later.
Don’t be afraid to ask about any aspect of parenthood — the caring team completely understands what you’re going through and wants to help you prepare in the best way.
When should I schedule a new parent consultation?
Ideally, it’s best to schedule your new parent consultation in the last part of your pregnancy, usually a few weeks before your expected delivery date.
You’ll receive a great deal of invaluable information during this appointment, so it’s important to allow yourself some time for extra preparations well before your baby arrives.
Can I combine a newborn visit with a new parent consultation?
It’s best to schedule a separate newborn visit after your baby arrives. The newborn visit is all about your baby — assessing their growth and health — but it includes a chance for you to ask questions and get support, too.
A new parent consultation, in contrast, is all about you as a parent because it focuses on giving you a wide array of tools for when your little one arrives
At a new parent consultation, you’ll have the chance to focus entirely on your discussion with the team — not always easy to do when you have an infant in your arms!
Northern Virginia Internal Medicine and Pediatrics can support and guide you as you prepare for your baby, so don’t wait to set up your new parent consultation. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
