Your early well-baby visits will usually take in the first fortnight or so after your baby is born. Your GP may visit and your health visitor, or community midwife will check your newborn’s weight and offer you advice on newborn care, how to handle minor illnesses, or concerns at home and when to call the doctor. You will also be given a Red Book or Baby Book, which contains useful information about well-baby visits and immunisations.
You're still getting used to life with your baby, so give yourself time for these well-baby visits as they are offered. If you are going to your GP's surgery or a local clinic make sure you take along whatever you need to keep your baby warm, fed and contented and make sure you take a copy of your newborn's hospital record if you have it.
During these early visits you might find:
Your baby's weight and head circumference will usually be recorded to make sure they're growing at a healthy rate.
There is a check on the umbilical cord stump, to see if it has fallen off and that the tummy button is healing well. If your baby son was circumcised, this will also be checked in the new baby boy.
Any health concerns, such as cradle cap or nappy rash, will be addressed.
You may be given some insights into your baby's individual personality and temperament, as well as physical development.
You may also be asked about your baby's sleeping, eating and elimination patterns ('wee' and 'poo' reports).
Apart from general newborn care other things that may be discussed include:
Has your baby had to see a doctor? If so, why? What was the outcome of that visit, and was any medication or treatment prescribed? Do they quieten down, at least briefly, when they hear you or when you pick them up? Do they sleep a little longer during some part of the day or night? Do they have longer periods when they're alert? Do they follow you with their eyes, and study your eyes and face when you're close? Do they respond to your voice or other sounds? Is your baby put to sleep on their back? Are bedding and room appropriate? Click here for more information on SIDSIs your baby a little more restless at the end of the day? All of this behaviour is expected at this time. If you are breastfeeding, are you taking any medication or supplements? Are there any particular stresses or changes at home?
Exactly what is discussed will partly depend on when your visit takes place.
Talk it over
You no doubt have other concerns, not only strictly related to newborn care. Now's the time to discuss them. Here are a few common issues:
How is your baby feeding and sleeping? Let your doctor know how often your baby feeds.
Your baby may have a common newborn skin condition, such as cradle cap; your health professional can help you understand what it is and how to treat it.
Talk about how siblings and other family members are adjusting.
Ask your health professional to show you how to take your baby's temperature.
Ask about crying management and comforting techniques. Your baby should respond to being held. Discuss the use of dummies as well.
Speak up!
New parents always have questions. Don't be shy. For example, you should mention any of the following situations that apply to your new baby boy or girl: people are giving you advice that confuses you or is contradictory your baby doesn't respond to sounds, especially your voice your baby isn't moving both hands and feet equally your baby has a puffy or runny eye your baby doesn't focus on your face when alert .you're having difficulty comforting your baby you're feeling down, or having trouble sleeping, or eating you're going back to work soon and you're not sure how you're going to manage it.
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