Prenatal Consultations
Prenatal consultations can be scheduled with any of our providers. We encourage all expectant parents to come in to see the office, become familiar with the staff and learn about our pediatric health care philosophy. Please bring any questions you may have to this appointment with you. Click here for more information.
Newborn Care
Congratulations on your newest addition! This is a very exciting time, but the first month can also be very stressful as you get to know your baby. Here are the top 5 things you need to know to get through the first month.
- Your baby should be fed either breast milk or formula every 3 hours around the clock. Newborns are often sleepy so they must be wakened to feed. You do not need to give any additional water.
- Your baby should have 6-8 wet diapers per day and several bowel movements. Breastfed babies tend to have a bowel movement every time they feed. Formula fed infants tend to go less frequently. The bowel movements will be yellow, green, or brown and should be soft and mushy.
- Until your baby gets their first set of vaccines at the 2 month visit. It is very important to keep them from getting sick! Make sure everyone washes their hands or uses hand sanitizer before touching your baby. Try to avoid crowded areas such as planes, trains, buses and small restaurants to prevent your baby from getting sick. If your newborn is acting different than usual (extremely irritable, not feeding well) take a rectal temperature. Anything less than 100 is normal. A rectal temperature of 100.4 is an EMERGENCY for a newborn. If the temperature is between 100-100.3 the temperature should be monitored closely over the following hours.
- It is no longer necessary to wipe the umbilical cord with alcohol. The umbilical cord will fall off on its own usually within the first 2 weeks of life. You need to wait until the cord falls off and dries completely (usually 48 hours) before submerging the baby in water. You may sponge bathe your baby as needed until the cord has fallen and healed.
- Hiccups and sneezes are normal for newborns! Sometimes newborns will sound like they have nasal congestion. You may use normal saline nose drops (Little Noses, Ayr) as well as a nasal suction/nasal syringe up to three times per day to help alleviate the congestion. If your child is coughing or is so stuffy that they can’t eat, call the office at (703) 721-7218 or click here to schedule an appointment.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is very common in new mothers. The “Baby Blues” as they are called occur in about 13% of new mothers. The most common symptoms are feeling overwhelmed, crying a lot, becoming easily frustrated, low self-esteem, loosing interest in activities and withdrawing from friends and family. It is important to talk to your doctor about what you are feeling. In addition, take advantage of family members and friends who are offering to help. Having people help either with caring for your newborn or with household tasks can help you to feel more in control of your life. Do not feel bad about delegating these tasks. You are not expected to do everything. Sometimes the blues will go away on their own, but often it helps to speak to someone. Our pediatric physician is available to help discuss your feelings with you and help you to get through this difficult time. Please call the office at (703) 721-7218 for more information or click here to schedule an appointment.
Occasionally medications are needed to treat postpartum depression. Your doctor or psychologist will help you decide if this is right for you.
If you are ever feel like hurting yourself or your baby, Call 911 immediately.
For more information about postpartum depression, visit the following website: