Newborn Care
The Importance of Newborn Care
The first few months of life feature numerous developmental milestones as well as many different health needs. Working with a skilled pediatric provider is essential for ensuring your baby gets the screenings and support needed to grow and thrive.
Tracking development is one of the most important aspects of newborn care. Every time your pediatric provider sees your child, they gather information on growth and development and compare it to statistics from children of the same age and sex.
That allows your pediatric provider to identify potential areas of concern as early as possible and to perform advanced diagnostics and early interventions when needed. Many childhood disorders and diseases respond best to early treatment.
Newborn care visits are also your opportunity to ask questions or discuss concerns with your child’s provider. If you are wondering when to introduce solid foods or are worried about your child’s sleep patterns, newborn care visits are the setting to find answers. Breastfeeding mothers can connect with a lactation consultant as needed.
Newborn care visits are an area of specialty for the team at the Children’s Clinic, with offices on the West End and in downtown Billings, Montana.
Few things are more exciting than welcoming a new baby into your family, but this can also be a stressful time for new parents. Your child’s pediatric provider can begin care on the day of birth and continue to track health and development as your baby grows. Requesting newborn care visits takes just moments online or over the phone.
Newborn Care Q&A
Requesting newborn care visits over the phone or using the online tool takes just moments, so don’t delay. The Children’s Clinic sees infants from Day One at St. Vincent’s Hospital, continuing care at their two office locations in Billings, Montana.
What happens during newborn care visits?
Gathering data about your child’s length, weight, and vital signs is always part of the process. This information is added to their personal medical record, which becomes an invaluable source of information over time.
A neurological assessment follows, as well as a basic check of your baby’s skin. Your pediatric provider also checks your baby’s activity during these visits to make sure they respond to stimuli.
You also have plenty of time to discuss your questions or concerns with the provider. Topics might include car seat safety, dosing for over-the-counter fever and other medications, how to take your infant’s temperature, and much more. Many parents find it helpful to bring in a list of questions.
How do I know which immunizations my baby needs?
Your pediatric providerc hecks your child’s immunization records during every newborn care visit. If it’s time for one or more vaccines like hepatitis B, polio, and pertussis, they administer those shots during the appointment.
Getting vaccine shots is never easy, and the experience may be more stressful for parents than the infant. Your child’s pediatric care team has extensive experience delivering immunizations and completes the process swiftly and safely.
If you have questions or concerns about the type of vaccines your child needs or the vaccination schedule, feel free to bring them up during your visit. A great deal of misinformation circulates about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and your provider has the education and experience needed to provide expert advice.