Caring for your Baby
Congratulations!
Welcome to parenthood! If this is your first baby, you are taking the first step into a new and wonderful phase of your life. If you already have children, you are about to discover a new, unique person, in some ways similar and in other ways different from your other children.
The pediatric providers at Fox Valley Women and Children’s Health Partners thank you for entrusting us to care for your new baby. We look forward to guiding you in your “adventure” of parenthood and in growing with you and your family.
This booklet is designed to answer common questions that you may have now and in the first few weeks of your child’s life. It is not meant to be all inclusive nor is it a substitute for direct communication with our pediatric health care team. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the health of your baby during your hospital stay or prior to the first appointment, please let us know.
Get ready, get set, go
An amazing being is now part of your world ready to be loved and nurtured. The much anticipated first meeting has past. The cord has been clamped and cut. Apgar scores have been assigned. Your child’s length, weight, and head circumference have been determined. An antibiotic ointment has been applied to your child’s eyes and a vitamin K injection has been administered. Your child’s cord blood has been sent to the laboratory for testing. A nurse has performed a physical examination, gestational age has been assessed, ID bands have been placed, footprints have been taken and your child has experienced their first bath. The whirlwind surrounding birth is now over. Please take some time to observe and appreciate your newborn’s physical and developmental traits.
- Newborn’s Normal Appearance
- Normal Newborn Reflexes and Behavior
- Newborn Skin: Rashes and Birthmarks
- Normal Newborn Development
- For your consideration
- Breast milk versus formula feeding
- Breast-Feeding Essentials
- Formula (Bottle) Feeding
- Circumcision: Pros and Cons
- Hepatitis B vaccination
- Pacifier: to use or not to use?
- Time to go home
- First Weeks at Home with a Newborn
- Sibling Rivalry Toward a Newborn
- Helpers: Relatives, Friends, Sitters
- The Father’s Role
- Visitors
- Feeding Your Baby: Achieving Weight Gain
- Bowel habits
- Sleep Patterns in Babies
- Dealing with Crying
- Sleep Position
- Taking Your Baby Outdoors
- Medical Checkup on the Third or Fourth Day of Life
- The Two-Week Medical Checkup
- Sick Newborn: Subtle Symptoms
- General Newborn Care
- Circumcision Care and Problems
- Foreskin Care and Problems
- General Safety Tips
- Common Concerns