Medical Care and Your Newborn

By the time you hold your doctor. You and your baby will probably visit the doctor more often during the first year than at any other time.

You may have had a prenatal visit with your baby's doctor-to-be to discuss some specifics, such as when he or she will see your newborn for the first time, office hours and on-call hours, who fills in for your doctor when he or she is out of the office, and how the office handles after-hours emergencies. You may have also learned your child's doctor's views on certain issues.

In this way, you've begun to forge a relationship with your baby's doctor that should last through the bumps, bruises, and midnight fevers to come.

What Will Happen Right After Birth?

Depending on your desires and the rules of the hospital or birth center where your baby is delivered, his or her first exam will either take place in the nursery or at your side:

• Weight, length, and head circumference will be measured.
• Temperature will be taken, and his or her breathing and heart rate will be measured.
• The doctor or nurse will monitor the color of his or her skin and his or her activity.
• Special eye drops will be given to ward off infection.
• A shot of vitamin K will be given to prevent the possibility of bleeding.

Your baby will be given his or her first bath, and the umbilical cord stump will be cleaned. Most hospitals and birthing centers provide personal instructions (and sometimes videos) to feeding, bathing, and other important aspects of newborn care.

When Will We See the Doctor?

The hospital or birth center where you deliver will notify your child's doctor of your baby's birth. If you have had any medical problems during pregnancy, if any medical problems for your baby are suspected, or if you are having a c-section, a pediatrician or your baby's doctor will be alerted about the impending birth in order to be standing by to take care of the baby.

The doctor you have chosen for your newborn will probably give your baby a full physical examination within 24 hours of birth. You and your child's doctor will have the chance to talk about your new baby and the many aspects of parenting. This is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you have about your new baby's care. Find out when the doctor would like to see your newborn again. Most healthy newborns are routinely examined at the doctor's office when they are about one to two weeks old.

What Happens at the First Office Visit?

During the first office visit, your child's doctor will assess your baby in a variety of ways to see how he or she is doing. The first office visit will differ from doctor to doctor, but you can probably expect:

• measurement of your baby's weight, length, and head circumference to assess how he or she has been doing since birth
• observation of your newborn's vision, hearing, and reflexes
• a total physical examination to check for any abnormalities of the body or organ function
• questions about how you are doing with the new baby and how your baby is eating and sleeping
• advice on what you can expect in the coming month
• a discussion of your home environment and how it might affect your baby's health (for example, smoking in the house can negatively affect your baby's health in a number of ways)

Also, if the results of screening tests performed on your newborn after birth are available, they may be discussed with you. Bring any questions or concerns to your child's doctor at this time. Make sure to write down any specific instructions he or she gives you regarding special baby care. Keep a permanent medical record for your baby that includes information about your baby's immunizations, medications, and any problems or illnesses.

What Immunizations Will My Baby Receive?

A baby receives some natural immunity against many infectious diseases from his or her mother. A mother's infection-preventing antibodies are passed to her baby through the umbilical cord before the baby is born. This immunity is only temporary, but your baby will develop his or her own immunity against many infectious diseases.