Baby's first exam
Your child's doctor will see your child for the first time while you are
still in the hospital. Don't worry if you're too tired to know what questions
to ask. Your child's doctor will talk to you about the most important things.
Here's what to expect during your child's first visit to the hospital.
You can expect your child's doctor to:
- Study the weight, height and head size of your newborn baby and conduct a comprehensive examination
- Perhaps give your child the first hepatitis B vaccine to protect him from serious liver disease.
- Discuss circumcision if your child is a boy.
- Discuss the hearing screening, metabolic screening, and heart screening that will be done before discharge.
- Encourage yourself and your immediate family to get vaccinated against whooping cough.
Questions your baby's doctor may ask you
- Did you take any medications?
- Do you have any chronic diseases ?
- When did your water break?
- Did you have antibiotics during delivery?
- Have you been vaccinated against hepatitis B?
- Do you have any changes in your breasts?
Questions you may have about feeding your baby
- When will my milk come?
- Is my baby breastfeeding well?
Feeding tips
- If you are breastfeeding, milk will most likely appear within 2-3 days.
- This may happen a little later if you had a caesarean section.
- In the meantime, your breasts will secrete a thin, clear liquid called colostrum, which is good for your baby. Therefore, try to put the baby to the breast every 2-3 hours. This will help the flow of milk and give the baby valuable nutrients.
- A breastfeeding specialist at the hospital can make sure your newborn is suckling properly. Be sure to contact a lactation specialist for help.
Diaper questions you may have
- How many wet diapers should my newborn have?
- What color should their poop be?
Diaper tips
- During the first week, your baby should have as many diapers as he has days. For example, on the first day there should be 1-2 wet diapers; on the 4th day at least 4 wet diapers.
- They will have very dark and thick stools for the first 48 hours.
- Over the next year, you will be seeing many of your child's doctors, so it's best to start a relationship right away.
- Now take a good rest before moving on to the next amazing and most difficult chapter!