At Cobb Pediatrics, we want to help your child grow into a happy, healthy child.
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! Now that your baby has arrived, it is very important for him or her to see a medical provider in a timely manner. We generally recommend that we see all new babies in the office within a few days of discharge from the hospital. Many newborn problems such as poor feeding and jaundice will become problematic in the first 3 or 4 days of life.
Call our office as soon as possible to schedule your baby’s first appointment.
Your Newborn Baby
Having a new baby is totally overwhelming. Your bundle of joy is also a bundle of unknowns. But take comfort in the fact that you will very quickly get to know him or her and you will be able to judge for yourself what is best for your family.
Having said that, we have listed below some advice from a medical perspective that might help you narrow down some of the basics about raising a healthy baby.
Breast is best. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Surgeon General, breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby. However, its not easy for everyone. If you see your friends happily and easily breastfeeding their babies and you start to wonder why its not so easy for you, don't be discouraged.
New mothers need plenty of rest, a heatlthy diety, lots of water, and a good dose of emotional support while learning to breastfeed. It can take up to 6 weeks for mom and baby to find their rhythm but its worth the effort.
Babies usually thrive on breast milk as it provides for easier digestion, less constipation and diaper rash, and an improved immunity to illness and allergies. The benefits of breastfeeding are not just for the baby - its much less expensive, provides greater convenience, helps with recovering from the trauma of birth and post-partum depression, and reduces the risk of breast cancer.
However, breastfeeding is not for everybody. Whatever your reasons for not breastfeeding — health, intense discomfort, or unrelenting frustration — the first order of business is to give yourself a break. "Good parenting is more than breastfeeding," says Jan Barger, an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). Cow’s milk, soy, lactose-free and specialty formulas are available (consult your pediatrician to find the best one for your child).
Washing your hands is most important in preventing illness. Newborns are incredibly susceptible to illness because their immunity has not developed yet. Washing your hands throughout the day, particularly after using the restroom or eating, is the first order of business when handling your baby -- and that includes anyone who comes into the house. Visitors with a cold or a cough should stay away until they are illness free for at least 24 hours.
Signs of illness:
- Fever. A fever is not necessarily a sign that the baby is sick, but if he/she has a temperature of 100.4 or more, please come see us immediately.
- Unusual crying. Babies cry for all kinds of reasons and you will soon learn to tell your baby's cries apart. However, if you can't comfort him in the usual ways, or if his cry is weak or unusually high-pitched, he may be seriously ill. The opposite is also true -- if your baby seems unhappy and doesn't cry but is unusually inactive and difficult to wake up, call your doctor.
- Appetite. A lack of appetite can be a sign of illness, as well as excessive spitting-up. Call us if you notice any drastic changes.
- Bowel movements. A baby's bowel movements can often be soft and liquidy. But if it becomes excessive, your baby may have diarrhea, in which case you need to be sure they are feeding enough to stay hyrdated. If the diarrhea continues, call our office or make an appointment to see your doctor.
- Difficulty breathing. If your baby's breathing becomes labored or he has difficulty breathing, get help immediately.
A baby should be put on their back to sleep. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics instituted the “Back to Sleep” program, there has been a significant decrease in the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies should be put on their backs in their own bed without any fluffy pillows, bedding or stuffed animals.
