Newborn Hospital Visits
Glad to meet you! Our relationship begins when we visit you and your baby in the hospital
Congratulations, you have a new little bundle of joy! If you’re like most parents, you’ll have lots of questions during these first few days, especially concerning your baby’s development. That’s why we’re here — not only to check your baby’s vital signs, color, weight and progress, but also to give you peace of mind. Even before you leave the hospital, at Westchester Health Pediatrics we’re here for you every step of the way.
7 things you can expect from our newborn hospital visits
To make sure your baby is healthy and progressing well, we perform the following actions while you and your baby are still in the hospital:
1. We visit you and your baby every day you’re in the hospital
At Westchester Health Pediatrics, it’s very important to us to make sure that your baby’s first few days are healthy ones. That’s why we’ll check your baby’s progress every day you’re in the hospital — typically 2 days for a vaginal birth, 3 days for a Caesarean section.
2. We check color, weight and length
An average full-term baby weighs between 6 and 9 pounds and measures between 18 and 21 inches long. (Note: babies can be born outside these average guidelines and still be completely healthy.) All newborns will lose some weight in their first 5-7 days of life (5% weight loss for a formula-fed newborn, 7%-10% loss for a breastfed one). If we feel your baby is losing too much weight, we’ll advise you about how much and how often you’re feeding your newborn to ensure he/she regains the weight properly. Regarding color, it’s important to monitor your baby for a yellow coloring of the skin called jaundice.
3. We check on how breastfeeding or formula feeding is going
Many of our new parents worry about whether their newborn is eating enough. With bottle feeding, it’s easy to tell; at the end of a feeding, you can clearly see how much formula your baby has taken in. With breastfeeding, it’s a little trickier, and we’ll go over ways to determine if your baby is feeding properly. Whether feeding by breast or bottle, monitoring the number of wet and poopy diapers your baby is producing (optimal: 4-5 per day) is also a good way to tell if he/she is getting enough nutrition.
4. If you’re having trouble with breastfeeding, we can help
For a lot of moms, breastfeeding can be tough. But rest assured, we can help. We have a number of certified lactation specialists who can personally work with you and your baby so that breastfeeding becomes a positive, successful experience for both of you.
5. We check the shape of your baby’s head
Because of pressure during a vaginal birth, your baby’s head may be temporarily misshapen. Don’t worry: normal head shape usually returns by the end of your baby’s first week. (Babies delivered by Caesarean usually don’t have as much head flattening.)
6. We set the appointment for your first office visit
To continue to make sure your baby is progressing well and thriving, we’ll make an appointment for your newborn’s first well-baby visit in our office within 48 hours of your being discharged from the hospital.
7. We answer all your questions and address your concerns
As well as paying attention to your baby’s progress, the newborn hospital visit is also a good time to pay attention to you! We welcome any questions or concerns you may have, including something you’ve noticed, such as a rash, cradle cap (baby dandruff) or baby acne. All of our pediatricians have years of experience with many, many babies and are ready to ease your mind with soothing, practical advice and guidance.
To learn more about your baby’s first months of life
To read American Academy of Pediatrics articles on such topics as newborn bathing and skin care, crying and colic, feeding and nutrition, sleep, teething and more, please click here.
Count on us for information and advice to help your baby grow up healthy, safe and happy
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Whether you’re a new parent or have a baby on the way, rest assured. We’ve got years and years of experience helping parents take care of their infants and we’re ready to help you with yours.
For advice, tips and guidance we offer new parents here at Westchester Health Pediatrics, CLICK HERE.
For help raising infants and toddlers, CLICK HERE.
To learn about all of our services, CLICK HERE.
Please contact us to discuss any of these topics. Whenever, wherever you need us, we’re here for you.