Newborn Care Specialist

Newborn care provides peace of mind that all’s well with your baby after their birth. Fiona Carroll, MD, of Child & Adolescent Health Center in Lathrup Village, Michigan, also provides specialized care for premature babies and support for breastfeeding moms. To find out how newborn care benefits you and your infant, call Child & Adolescent Health Center today or book an appointment online.

What is newborn care?

Newborn care ensures your baby has the best start in life following delivery. Child & Adolescent Health Center provides care from birth onward, with regular health and development checks.

The first full newborn visit typically takes place about a week after the birth, but you can consult your pediatrician anytime if you have concerns.

They weigh and measure your baby, recording the information to see how things change over the weeks. It’s not uncommon for some babies to lose weight in the week between their delivery and checkup; after two weeks, however, healthy babies typically gain weight rapidly.

Your child’s pediatrician checks for jaundice, a common newborn problem that makes your baby’s skin look yellow. They also check that the umbilical stump is healing well and if your child underwent circumcision, ensure the penis is healthy.

What does newborn care include?

In addition to basic health checks, newborn care includes:

Developmental evaluation

Development in babies generally happens in a predictable way, marked by milestones. 

For example, after a week, your baby should be moving their arms and legs, focusing on objects up to 15 inches away, and raising their head a little when on their front. If they aren’t meeting their developmental milestones, there could be a reason that needs addressing.

Immunizations

Immunizations protect your child from potentially life-threatening diseases with one or several simple shots. Child & Adolescent Health Center follows the current guidelines on immunizing children, starting with a hepatitis B injection (if your baby hasn’t already had one at the hospital).

Babies born prematurely (before 37 weeks) may require specialized care. They might need time in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) if they’re very premature or sick. When you bring your child home, your pediatrician continues with any care these special babies need.

How does newborn care help new mothers?

Your provider can provide invaluable advice on areas that often cause difficulties, like giving your baby a bath, problems getting them to sleep, colic (abdominal pain), and feeding issues. 

Child & Adolescent Health Center’s experienced providers also offer expert help and support with breastfeeding and lactation (milk production).

To benefit from expert newborn care, call Child & Adolescent Health Center today or book an appointment online.