The first few weeks of life can come with a lot of concerns over the health of your new baby. At Franconia Pediatrics in Alexandria, Virginia, Monica Kharbanda, MD, offers newborn care to ensure both moms and newborns are on the path to good health. To schedule a visit for your newborn, call Franconia Pediatrics or book an appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat happens during my newborn’s first visit?
Your newborn typically has their first doctor’s visit 3-5 days after birth. During the visit, Dr. Kharbanda performs a thorough examination. She checks your baby’s vision, hearing, and reflexes, performs a physical exam, and also measures their weight, height, and head circumference. Gathering this information helps Dr. Kharbanda ensure that your infant is in good health and is growing and developing properly.
Your newborn’s first visit is a great opportunity to voice any concerns or questions you have about caring for your new baby. Dr. Kharbanda takes time to discuss your baby’s sleeping and eating habits during the first few days at home as well as what you can expect from your baby in the coming weeks.
Dr. Kharbanda also checks on new moms to make sure they’re coping well with the physical and emotional demands of caring for a new baby. If you’re breastfeeding, Dr. Kharbanda can instruct you on ways to make it easier for both you and your infant.
When does crying become a medical concern?
It’s natural for a newborn to cry, often for no clear reason. During the first few weeks of your newborn’s life, you’ll get used to their normal pattern of crying. If your newborn has already been fed, burped, warmed, and changed, the best way to get them to stop crying is to hold, talk, or sing to them until they stop. You can also try swaddling them with a blanket.
If your baby’s crying sounds abnormal or becomes excessive to the point of concern, Dr. Kharbanda can help you determine if there’s an underlying medical issue.
What is jaundice?
There are a number of conditions that commonly affect newborns during the first few weeks after birth. Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin. Jaundice is caused by excess amounts of bilirubin in the child’s blood that hasn’t been removed by their immature liver.
Many healthy newborns are born with jaundice. The condition is especially common in babies who aren’t responding well to breastfeeding. If you notice a yellowish tinge to your newborn’s skin, book an appointment with Dr. Kharbanda to find out if the condition requires treatment.
At Franconia Pediatrics, newborn care focuses on ensuring the health and well-being of moms and their newborns. To schedule your visit, call the office or set up your appointment online today.