Newborn and Hospital Care in Kennewick, WA
- Our newborn care starts at the hospital right after birth. Contact us today for a Meet & Greet visit!
- Circumcision
- Routine Check-up and Immunizations
- Care of Premature Babies and newborns with special needs
- Lactation and feeding advice
From the moment your child is born you want nothing more than to keep them safe and healthy. We completely understand this need, and here at Pediatrics For You, we’ve made it our mission to provide your little one with the very best in healthcare from the moment you bring them into our office. We treat every child or teen that comes through our doors like family so that you always feel comfortable and assured that your little one will get the care they deserve. If you’re looking for a pediatrician who provides newborn care, you’ve come to the right place.
What to Expect During Your Newborn Care Visit
We know that nothing is more exciting than welcoming a new baby into the family! However, we also know that this is a time of lots of questions and even concerns for parents. There are so many questions to ask and factors to consider, from bathing and feeding to childproofing and car seats. Our pediatric team at Pediatrics For You is here to make sure that you and your newborn get the exceptional care they deserve.
Your newborn’s first visit with a pediatrician will occur only days after leaving the hospital. Expect the first appointment to be a bit longer than other newborn care checkups, as this is the first time that we get to meet your new addition (so it’s an exciting time for us as well!).
Along with checking vital signs and vision and hearing, we will also perform a thorough physical examination and administer the appropriate immunizations. While we know that no parent wants to think about health problems, especially with a newborn, it does happen. This is another reason these regular newborn care checkups are so incredibly important, even if you think your newborn is fine.
Handling
We know how tiny your newborn is but there are some basic ways to handle and support them safely. Make sure to:
- Always wash your hands before holding or handling your baby
- Always provide ample support for their head and neck
- Always be gentle with your newborn
- Never shake your baby, even to wake them
Bathing
You will sponge bathe your newborn until the umbilical cord falls off and the area heals (if your baby has been circumcised you will want to wait for the area to heal completely, as well). Once you can start bathing your baby, you will only need to bathe them about 2-3 times a week (any more than that, and you risk drying out their skin). Use mild, fragrance-free shampoos and soaps designed for babies, as well as soft washcloths and towels. Once your child upgrades from sponge baths you’ll want to purchase an infant tub.
Breastfeeding
If you’re planning to breastfeed, you must start immediately in the hospital after your baby is born. Don’t worry, if it takes a little while to get the hang of it. That’s completely natural. Of course, if you do find yourself dealing with breastfeeding problems, we can recommend a lactation consultant to help make breastfeeding easier.
It’s important to create a feeding schedule. Newborns will need to nurse about every three hours. Create a comfortable space for you and the baby when you nurse, as it may take quite a bit of time in the very beginning and you both want to be comfortable. Most women need to maintain anywhere from 2,200-2,400 calories a day to keep up with the demands of nursing.
Know When to See Your Pediatrician
Along with wellness checkups, our pediatric team is here for you and your baby whenever you need it. There will certainly come a time when your newborn may be sick or displaying symptoms that have you nervous. Give us a call anytime if your newborn,
- Is under 2 months and has a fever over 100.4 degrees F
- Won’t eat or refuses to eat
- Has watery stools
- Is unresponsive or extremely sleepy
- Won’t stop crying and can’t be consoled
- Has a red rash all over the body
- Has any signs of infection around the umbilical cord (redness; swelling)
- Has a swollen stomach