Newborns & First Time Parents Specialist

What medical care happens right after my baby is born?

The hospital will have a staff doctor examine your baby within the first 24 hrs of life.  Your baby’s first checkup is an important event where staff does a variety of measurements and tests.

While you and your baby are still in the hospital, expect the staff to:

• Measure baby’s weight and length
• Measure baby’s head circumference
• Perform a physical exam 
• Perform a hearing test
• Get any necessary blood tests
• Test baby’s oxygen levels
• Check for jaundice
• Administer baby’s first hepatitis b vaccine
  
  

If you have any questions or concerns, ask your pediatrician. The team can help you learn how to breastfeed properly and answer your questions about caring for your new baby.

How often does my newborn need a checkup?

After you and your baby go home from the hospital, you come to visit the Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics office for a checkup within 7 days.  Your pediatrician checks your baby’s growth, observes their development and behavior, and does a physical exam. If any necessary testing wasn’t performed at the hospital, the doctor does it at this appointment. 

After your baby’s first week of life, plan to return for checkups at the following intervals for the first year:

• One month
• Two months
• Four months
• Six months
• Nine months
• 12 months
  
  

At each appointment, your pediatrician measures your baby’s growth and administers vaccinations. In addition to these regular checkups, visit the doctor as soon as possible if your baby has a fever, looks sick, isn’t eating, or isn’t peeing or pooping.

Why are regular well-checkups important for newborns and first-time parents?

Regular appointments give your pediatrician the opportunity to monitor your baby’s growth and development, but it’s also a good time to make sure that you’re adjusting well to life as a parent.

It’s common for first-time moms to have questions about caring for their babies, and talking to the experts can give you the information you need. If you’re facing issues, from problems with breastfeeding to getting your baby to sleep, your pediatrician answers them and helps you find a solution. 

Find top-tier, comprehensive care for newborns and first-time moms at Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics. Learn more by booking an appointment online or by phone today.