Well-Baby Care
During your baby’s first three years of life, she will see the doctor a number of times. These visits are important to make sure she is growing and developing appropriately. Your doctor will ask you a number of questions to see how things are going, and he will examine your baby, checking for normal growth and looking for problems. Routine and regular checkups are particularly important for you r baby during her first three years of life. Problems at this age, if not treated early, may have serious implications for her later in life.
The first time your baby’s doctor sees her will be within twenty-four hours after her birth. The doctor will do a complete examination of the baby and will want to talk to you about your pregnancy, labor and delivery. If you smoked, took any drugs, [prescribed or "recreational"], or drank much alcohol, you need to tell this to the doctor. These factors may affect your baby’s health or growth. The doctor will examine your baby daily while she’s in the hospital and also talk to you. These visits to you are important. Not only will you find out how your baby is doing, but you will have an opportunity to ask questions. Prepare for these visits; write down your questions ahead of time. Your doctor will give you advice on taking care of your new baby, such as feeding instructions and safety ideas.
One of the most important office visits is the first one. Most doctors like to see the baby when she is two to three weeks old. During her first month, the baby will change a lot. You will have many questions and concerns about your new baby, and this visit gives you the opportunity to ask them.
The doctor’s staff will probably ask you some questions before you see the doctor. How is the baby feeding? Is she sleeping well? Are there any problems with her bowels? Are there any skin problems? These are just a few of the questions you may be asked. They will also measure the baby’s weight, head circumference, [the distance around her head], and body length. These measurements are important for monitoring your baby’s growth. Each will be plotted on a growth chart. These charts are the best way to determine if your baby is growing well.
When you see the doctor, he will go over all this information and ask more questions if needed. Next comes the examination of your baby. Your baby should be completely undressed for this examination. The doctor will begin the examination at the top of her head and go to the tips of the toes, examining everything in between.
After examining your baby, he’ll tell you his findings and if there are any problems. Rarely are there any surprises found at this visit, although occasionally a congenital abnormality [a birth defect] is found that was not apparent when the baby was in the hospital. At this age, no immunizations are given.