Your newborn’s health is closely monitored from the moment of birth through their first 24 months. In most cases, no medical problems are found. There might be minor issues or adjustments for both baby and parents, but despite the number of doctor visits you’ll have, most conclude with an “all is good” message.
It’s natural for new parents to have questions about their baby, and even those who have been through the process before may find that no two children progress in the same way. Getting the information you need goes a long way toward helping you oversee your child’s development.
The ideal time to expand your knowledge is your newborn’s next visit. Knowing the right questions to ask before your appointment — including writing them down — is instrumental to a successful visit.
The caregivers at Monarque Health & Wellness Center encourage your questions. As pediatric specialists, they’re your best source of information about your baby and their health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child’s first doctor visit should occur about 3-5 days after their birth. The appointment will be thorough but short, usually lasting less than 30 minutes.
Your newborn’s exam includes collecting their vital statistics, things like weight and physical measurements. There are also checks of their anatomy to assure there are no issues left over from childbirth, such as neck and collarbone fractures, hip dysplasia, and healing of the umbilical cord stump.
Your caregiver checks the condition of the fontanel, the soft spot on the child’s head, as well as their skin and eyes for yellowness that may indicate jaundice. Reflexes and pulse are checked, as well as other aspects of their physical development.
Throughout your newborn’s exam, your caregiver asks you questions about your baby’s health and behavior, and some of these questions may already be on your list too.
Diet, sleep, and bowel movements are usually the big three topics. Once you’ve answered the caregiver’s questions, ask any of your own that weren’t discussed. These could include:
You’ll have plenty of other questions that may be unique to your child. Keeping notes in the days between the hospital and the first office visit will help you formulate and remember these questions.
If possible, both parents should attend the appointment so that fewer points are missed or forgotten.
There are plenty of other topics for questions too, including development, well-being, and comforting. There’s much to learn and every child is different, so ask any question that occurs to you.
This strategy applies to all of your child’s well visits in the coming months. Over time and with experience, your questions will change along with your child’s development.
Contact Monarque Health & Wellness Center at their Ashland, Oregon, office, by phone or online, to schedule your next newborn visit. It’s the best way to assure your child’s healthy development, so prepare your questions and book now.
