What will happen at my baby's first checkup after leaving the hospital?

Wellness Check: The pediatrician will make sure breast or bottle feeding has become well established and the baby has not lost an excessive amount of weight, is reacting and behaving normally, and has a normal examination. The doctor may also offer anticipatory guidance and answer any questions/address any concerns you may have.

Exam and discussion: This office visit is pretty straight forward. The doctor will want to fully examine your baby to look for any troubles, talk with you about how the baby is acting, feeding and check the babies measurements. In short, this visit will focus on tow main issues...1) is the child's weight normal and 2) is there any jaundice. You'll make sure feeding is going well and that baby looks good head to toe.

Getting to know you: Initially in the hospital we want to be sure all the parts are there and all the plumbing is hooked up and working (poop and pee). 3 days after discharge, we want to be sure baby is eating and beginning to gain weight (average an ounce a day). We see if jaundice is developing and answer questions. We want to address any concerns parents may have as well.

Anticipatory Advice: The first visit is very important to assess weight gain, signs of jaundice, parental bonding, and to give plenty of anticipatory guidance. It's a great time to ask questions to your doctor.

Weight check & exam: The first visit is helpful to assess how feedings are going at home. Most newborns lose weight the first week after birth, so your doctor will check to be sure that weight loss is not excessive. A complete exam for any significant changes in the first few days after birth to evaluate for such things as jaundice and heart murmurs (that would not necessarily have been present initially at birth).

Feeding & weight chk: Typically, the baby will be weighed and we'll discuss feeding at length. It's the best time to start establishing a relationship with your pediatrician and ask questions so you feel more comfortable. The baby should have a full check up within a few days of leaving the hospital.

Baby's 1st Visit: Much of what happens at the 1st office visit depends upon the style of your pediatrician. In our office, the baby is weighed to assess proper nutrition and given a complete physcal exam. The history of the pregnancy, labor and delivery are reviewed as is family history. We rovide necessary immunizations.And most importantly, we attempt to answer all of the parents' questions.

Check weight & color: A newborn goes to his first appointment, shortly after discharge from the hospital, to have his weight checked, his color checked, and his activity checked. A normal baby usually loses weight the first few days, but then gains steadily. Any jaundice (yellow) color will be assessed by the doctor. The baby should be active, feeding well, not fussy, not tired, and not too spitty.

A weight and exam: The doctor or nurse practitioner will take a pregnancy and birth history as well as a full medical and social history. They will also weigh the baby, ask about feeding and how it was going. They should also ask about how you are holding up or even have you fill out a postpartum depression screening.

Check head to toe: Many things are going on with your baby in the first days home. Hearts pump differently, the liver kicks into gear, your baby uses its own lungs now, they have to pee and poop. Every system is in a state of flux. The baby's weight should be checked, assessment of how they are feeding, peeing, pooping and sleeping. Evaluation if any jaundice is developing, and evaluation of how you are coping!

Weight & skin check: The first check-up is usually a few days after going home. Your doctor will want to learn how you have adjusted to the new family member, answer any questions you may have, check your baby's weight and evaluate the skin for any jaundice (yellow coloration). This is an excellent time to discuss your parenting style. Any medical concerns which arose in the hospital can be addressed at this visit.

Thorough Exam: Your new infant will be weighed and measured. The provider should check his or her heart, lungs, umbilicus and check for jaundice. There should be an in depth discussion of feedings, wet and dirty diapers. You will discuss a follow up appointment, and what reasons to call back before that appointment. If you have a son, you may discuss or have him undergo a circumcision.

1st checkup: The first checkup after leaving the hospital, is a time when parents may have many questions and concerns. A review of the birth and family history are taken, and the baby is examined, it is imprtant to make sure the baby´s weight and feeds are on track. It is not uncommon for a bay to loose up to 10% of their birth weight the first days after birth, but they usualy gain it back by a week of age.

Baby check up: At the first baby check visit the doctor's office will weight the baby, take temperature and other vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate) examine the baby fully, make sure baby is not jaundiced, feeding well, urinating and stooling adequately. May do new born screening test/ hep b vaccine if not given in the hospital.