by: Amy Fadden
What happen during the first month of your newborn, does your baby need check up? In the first weeks after birth, your newborn begins a series of routine check ups. These are called well child visits. All healthcare professions have individual approaches to the timing and frequencies of these visits. In general, you should take your baby for a checkup within a week after delivery and thereafter, one or two visits during the first month as recommended by your doctor.
During the well child visits, the doctor will perform the following:
These routine well child visits will assure you about your baby’s progress and give you the opportunity to ask questions concerning your child’s care.
How do I choose the best doctor for my newborn? Some parents are familiar with their pediatric practitioner even before they become pregnant, while most, especially the first time parents are not. If you were unaware of the doctor and service, you would like to avail for your coming baby, do not get overwhelmed and relax! With a little hard work, you will be able to reach a pediatrician you can rely on and respect. However, commence your search well in advance of your delivery. An optimal way to do it is to seek the names of pediatricians from your reliable sources, which may be your obstetrician, gynecologist, midwife or even relatives, friends, colleagues or neighbors with kids who share your parenting and perspectives. You may consider asking them the questions like, “Do their kids respond well to the doctor?”, “Is the doctor an experienced pediatrician?”, “Does he have knowledge of recent medical advances?”, “Does she welcome your queries and take time to discuss them?”
Once you are ready with your list of potential pediatricians, start interviewing them, preferably in person, as it gives you a feel of their style, how they run their office, what the staff and nurses are like and if you feel comfortable with them. Ideally, you should accomplish this task about three months before you are due and take your birth plan along. You may address the following queries to the doctor in the interview:
While you interview the doctor, pay attention to how well she considers your needs. And also if you feel comfortable with her or not. Your choice of the doctor should be the one who best meets all these criteria!