Birth Visit

Typically a newborn is seen in our office in the first few days after being discharged to home. This is to insure the baby is not jaundiced (a generally normal condtion in newborns that turns the skin yellow for the first week or so of life), that the feeding is going well and to answer any of your questions. Generally this appointment can be made the same day you call. You will be directed by the physician who discharges your baby as to when to make this first appointment.

Below are some important topics regarding newborns.

Breastfeeding

Your baby will probably nurse every one to three hours. If your milk supply is not in at the time of discharge, you should notice the signs of let down in the first one or two days of being home. Many women report a tingling sensation in their breast which signals let down. If your baby is nursing at one breast and milk trickles out of the other, most likely your milk supply is increasing.

Bottle Feeding

Bottle fed infants typically take 1 to 2 ounces every 1 to 2 hours for a total of 20 to 24 ounces per day.

Foods to avoid

All the nutrition your baby requires will be supplied by your breast milk or formula. Newborns do not need extra water or solid foods such as infant cereal. Newborns should not be fed dairy products or honey products.

Stooling

Newborns vary widely on their stooling patterns. Some stool daily while others stool with every feeding. Your baby’s stool should be soft and yellow colored.

Urinating

Newborns should urinate 6 to 8 times a day. Boys should have a “strong” stream.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a natural process for many, but not all, newborns producing a yellow hue to their skin. If your baby’s skin becomes yellow at home or you think he or she has more yellow color then when you were in the hospital, please call your pediatrician.

Fever

Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby’s temperature is greater than 100.5 or less than 97 degrees Fahrenheit, please call your pediatrician.

Sleeping Position

To keep your infant’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) keep cigarette smoke away from your baby, set up his/her approved infant mattress in your room and always lie him/her down on his/her back to sleep.

Siblings

While encouraging older siblings to love and interact with their new brother or sister, older siblings should be supervised while with your newest child.

Traveling

Your infant must be in a rear facing car seat while traveling in a car, even for short trips. Infants must remain in a rear facing car seat. You will want to leave your child rear facing until the age of two years.

Post partum depression

One out of every three women has post partum depression to some extent. Signs of post partum depression include excessive crying, excessive feelings of sadness, feelings of self worthlessness, feelings of hopelessness or not enjoying your baby. If you have these feelings or you notice your partner fits this description, please notify her primary care provider.