Newborn Care Specialist

What is newborn care?

Newborn care makes sure your baby is healthy from birth onwards. Your obstetrical or midwifery team performs certain newborn checks soon after your baby is born, including assessing their:

• Breathing
• Heart rate
• Color
• Muscle tone
• Reflexes

The team also weighs and measures your newborn and gives them a vitamin K injection (babies are often deficient in vitamin K, which they need to ensure their blood clots properly). They might also apply an ointment to your baby’s eyes to prevent an infection that can cause blindness.

In addition to these initial aspects of newborn care, your obstetrical or midwifery team plays a vital role in helping you and your baby bond with skin-to-skin contact and supporting you with the first feeds.

On the morning after your baby’s birth, they meet their pediatrician from Newton Pediatrics for the first time.

What newborn care does my pediatrician provide?

Your pediatrician from Newton Pediatrics schedules regular newborn care visits that begin during the first week after your baby’s birth. These well-baby visits occur frequently at first, starting when the baby is 2–3 days old, with further visits at:

• Two weeks
• Four weeks
• Two months
• Four months
• Six months
• Nine months
• 12 months

During each newborn care visit, your pediatrician checks all your baby’s vital signs and records them. Regular weighing and measuring are also important to ensure your baby grows at the expected rate. Your pediatrician is also looking for any signs of ill health or abnormal behaviors in your newborn. 

Your baby’s immunization schedule starts soon after birth, too, with vaccinations against diseases like hepatitis B.

If your baby has any existing problems because they were premature, it was a difficult birth, or they have a medical condition, your pediatrician is ideally qualified to provide the care they need.

What should I do if I have problems with newborn care at home? 

Newton Pediatrics offers comprehensive support to parents, helping them with breastfeeding, difficulties getting the baby to sleep, and everyday problems like diaper rash.

You can also call Newton Pediatrics anytime if you have any concerns about your baby’s health. Signs your baby may be sick include:

• Unusually dry diapers
• Changes in the baby’s stools
• Reduced appetite
• Sleeping less
• Excessive or continual crying
• Unusual quietness
• Fever
• Rashes
• Vomiting

Newton Pediatrics follows your baby closely, especially over the first few months, which is a time of rapid growth and change. Your provider is happy to discuss your baby’s development, address your concerns or observations, and answer any questions you may have during your newborn care visits.

Expert support with newborn care from Newton Pediatrics helps to ensure a lifetime of good health for your baby. To find out more about newborn care services, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.