New Born Care Specialist

When should expecting parents talk with a pediatrician about newborn care?

Expecting parents need to have a pediatrician on board before their due date. However, they may contact Comprehensive Pediatric Care any time, then keep Dr. Jindal up to date with the baby’s health and progress throughout the pregnancy. If you’re new to the practice, you’re welcome to schedule a time to visit the office and meet with the doctor.

When does Dr. Jindal see newborn babies?

The hospital staff calls Dr. Jindal as soon as your baby is born. She examines your newborn within the first 24 hours, or right after birth if the baby has health problems.

Your baby’s first office visit occurs within 3-5 days after birth. Dr. Jindal measures the baby’s weight, length, and head circumference; completes a physical exam; and checks vision, hearing, and reflexes. She’ll also talk with you about the baby’s eating and sleeping habits.

Routine newborn check-ups proceed on a regular schedule, so your baby sees the doctor at two weeks, one month, and two months. After that, well-child visits continue with check-ups at four, six, nine, 12, 15, and 18 months. At each visit, Dr. Jindal performs a physical exam, evaluates growth and development, and gives vaccines as needed.

What services are included in newborn care?

Newborn appointments give parents the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about newborn care. The team at Comprehensive Pediatric Care offers new parents expert support and guidance on issues such as:

• Breastfeeding
• Sleep concerns (sleeping positions, bedding, schedules)
• Umbilical cord care
• Basic newborn care
• Crying (how to calm your baby)
• Skin rashes
• Jaundice
• Immunizations

What are developmental milestones?

Developmental milestones are the behaviors and skills achieved by most children at a certain age. They incorporate a broad spectrum of key physical, social, cognitive, and emotional achievements, as well as specific communication skills.

Pediatricians expect developmental milestones to appear within an age range because every child develops at a different pace; for instance, some children walk as early as eight months and others don’t walk until 18 months. Both fall within the normal range.

This list provides an example of milestones that appear around two months:

• Physical development: push up from a lying position; can hold head up
• Cognitive development: focuses on faces; follows movement with eyes
• Communication: turns head toward sounds; makes baby noises like cooing
• Social skills: begins to smile; looks at parent