New Babies

Some General Information

Good books to read

Many books have been written for parents of newborns. The first, and still possibly the best, was Dr. Spock’s. There are others that are also very good – take a look at Pantell, Vickery, and Fries, for instance, a great guide for when your baby is sick. Maybe go to a book store (they still exist!) and browse. Also, take a look at the books we recommend.

What happens when the baby is born?

When you go into the hospital to have your baby, you will be asked to pick a doctor for the baby. Give them the name of the pediatrician you have chosen, or just say "Bayside." If everything goes without complications, when the baby is born the hospital will call us and we will see your baby and you at our morning or evening rounds.

If there are medical concerns (prematurity, or a Cesarean section, for example) a practitioner from the hospital will start the baby’s care. We will take over shortly thereafter. If you are going to have a scheduled Cesarean, please call our office and let us know when and where, so we can be prepared for you.

After the baby is born, a Bayside doctor will come to examine the baby every day and talk with you. Be prepared with any questions you might have! Since we pre-assign our doctors to hospital rounds duty, you might not see the clinician you have selected to be “your” doctor.

When should the baby first come to the office?

Make an appointment to see us shortly after discharge from the hospital. We like to see the babies early, so we can monitor the baby’s feeding, weight gain, and level of jaundice. Most parents also have questions at this time – don’t forget to write them down so you will remember them! Also bring any notes from the hospital, especially the yellow immunization record card they might give you.

If I am breast-feeding, should I seek lactation counseling?

We strongly support breast-feeding! Breast is best. Breast-feeding is natural, but this doesn’t mean it is easy. We find that an initial visit with one of our Lactation Counselors can smooth the breast-feeding course substantially. Just call our office and make an appointment, even before you leave the hospital. Health insurance will frequently cover these visits, subject to co-pays and deductibles.

What about bottle feeding and supplementing?

Breast may be best, but it is not always possible or appropriate. In addition, many families need the flexibility of supplemental bottle feeding. We have good information and support for you in bottle-feeding. Our role is to help you find the best way to feed your baby that fits you and the baby.

How often does the baby need a check-up?

The first two years of life are so chock-full of developmental milestones that we generally see babies frequently. Although there is a general pattern to well visits, we individualize the schedule based on the needs of the baby and the family.

Whom do I call when my child is sick?

If you need help outside of office hours, go to After Hours Telephone Care here on our website, which will direct you to our nurse advice line, or call the office you generally go to and the telephone message will have the number for you to call. If you are afraid your child is very ill and can’t wait to talk to a nurse, call 911, or go directly to a hospital emergency department.