I have selective memories about those first few months with my new baby. Years later, it’s tempting to remember being blissful, but was I? Shortly after coming home from the hospital, my baby’s skin and eyes became yellow with jaundice. I had a lot to worry about. I remember my baby’s first doctor’s appointments — and the many that followed.
Jaundice is one of those things pediatricians are checking for when they see a newborn for the first time. They also check the baby’s head circumference and ask about feeding and sleeping. They ask a list of questions to establish medical records, too. Those first doctor’s visits start a health care relationship for your family, says Joy Elion, M.D., a pediatrician at the University of Chicago Medicine.
“Our goal is to connect babies with their primary care physician from the start and then
follow up with that same physician for all subsequent appointments,” says Dr. Elion.
First doctor’s appointments do matter and here’s why
You know that it’s important to take your child to the doctor when they are sick. But pediatrician visits are just as important when your child is well, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP has created a schedule of screenings it recommends at each well-child visit.
And, there are 10 recommended visits during your child’s first two years alone.
Your newborn’s first doctor is tasked with checking your child’s health and a number of developmental milestones, as set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
At two months, for example, your child’s doctor will look for communication milestones, such as making sounds other than crying. The doctor will also look for social-emotional milestones, such as looking at your face. They’ll check to see if they are following the physical development milestones of holding their head up when on their tummy and moving both arms and legs.
These early appointments are also a time for you to ask any questions you might have about the care of your new baby.
Your baby’s first doctor’s appointment happens right after birth
At this early stage, it’s important for a baby’s mother to have lots of support, says Dr. Elion. She is speaking from her experience in treating children — but she also has first-hand knowledge as a parent.
Be sure to bring a support person, such as a partner or family member, to that first appointment. “Having a baby isn’t an easy task,” Dr. Elion says. “It’s important to have some extra help, even just with things like moving around and carrying the baby.”
That first visit may be a blur, since it happens between three and five days after birth. At this visit, the doctor will be looking for signs for jaundice and will definitely weigh your baby. They’ll also ask about whether you are breastfeeding or using formula.
Your child’s pediatrician will typically stick to the basics on this first visit, she says.
The two-week followup comes next
The next time you see your baby’s doctor, you may be getting accustomed to the “new normal” of life with your new baby. Or you may be sleep deprived and just wondering what day it is.
Both are normal, says Dr. Elion. She recognizes the importance of supporting parents through this transition. By now you may have more questions to ask — and should expect the doctor to welcome your concerns.
“Never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office with any questions or concerns, even if you know the office is closed,” says the AAP. Pediatricians are used to taking calls and can be a resource to you and their pediatric patients, even over the phone.
You may also be able to access additional support right at home. UChicago Medicine’s Family Connects program provides in-home support from a registered nurse about three weeks after your baby is born. The program is available to anyone who delivers at UChicago Medicine or a participating birthing center and lives in the city of Chicago with a 606 ZIP code. The nurse can provide well checks for you and your baby. They can also provide resources to mental health services if you are struggling with depression or anxiety.
You’ll have another doctor’s appointment around one month
Your new baby’s third visit typically happens at one month after birth. This marks a “new stage” in your baby’s life, says Dr. Elion.
This is when your baby’s doctor will look for developmental milestones. The pediatrician will begin tracking these milestones and referring back to initial screenings and tests.
And, because you may not see your own doctor for another few weeks, it’s a good idea to talk with your child’s doctor if you are having any adjustment issues. Share any feelings you are having or that any of your immediate family members are having.
“Birthing parents…are going through a lot of adjustments so we want to make sure they know someone cares how they are feeling,” says Dr. Elion.
Expertise brought to you by UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s. Learn more at UChicagoMedicine.org/Comer.
