Key Questions To Ask Your Pediatrician At Newborn Visits
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Taking care of a newborn can be a tad bit overwhelming whether you are new to this experience or not. Your hormones haven’t completely gone back to normal, your body is still aching and recovering from childbirth, and you are majorly sleep deprived. All of these can make it hard for you to have a productive and coherent conversation with your baby’s doctor at the first newborn visit. The best way to ensure a productive appointment with your pediatrician is to plan ahead and prepare a list of questions. If you’re not sure what to ask, we have compiled a list of key questions you can ask your pediatrician. Take a look.
How Much Should I Feed My Baby?
Whether you are breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing a combination of both, it’s important to make sure that your baby is getting the right nutrients. Your doctor will be able to guide you in what strategy you should follow while feeding your baby. While some mommies feed on demand, others follow a strict schedule. Check with your pediatrician about the pros and cons of each. Talk to your doctor about how many ounces of formula or breast milk you should feed daily.
Is My Baby Getting Enough Vitamin D?
Your doctor will be able to make a better assessment of this once he/she understands your baby’s feeding schedule. Vitamin D is one of the essential nutrients that your baby needs to help build stronger bones and a better immune system. Babies less than one-year-old should be getting 400 IU of vitamin D every day (1). Whether your baby is given breast milk or formula milk, check with your doctor about any additional supplements that may be required.
Can You Recommend A Good Lactation Consultant?
If you are facing any problems with breastfeeding, it’s best to seek help from a lactation consultant as a pediatrician may not be your best bet. If you have any queries or concerns about breast health or face any problems while nursing, find a good lactation consultant near your area. Most moms give up breastfeeding either because it’s too painful or because of the lack of a proper latch. A lactation consultant will be able to come up with an ideal solution to all your issues related to the same.
How Long Should My Baby Sleep During The Initial Months?
The sleep pattern of your baby varies in the first nine months after birth. Newborns up to 3 months of age should sleep about 14 to 17 hours in a day (2). However, this number may vary. So, check with your doctor to make sure that your baby is getting enough sleep. Your doctor can also suggest ways to create a safe sleeping environment to ensure that your baby has sound sleep.
How To Care For My Baby’s Umbilical Cord?
Most parents are concerned about providing the right care for their baby’s umbilical cord. Doctors generally recommend keeping the stump dry and waiting for it to fall off on its own. It is best to stick with sponge baths until the cord has fallen off. If you notice any signs of infection such as redness, foul smell, or swelling, consult a doctor to get it treated immediately (3).
How Often Should A Newborn Poop?
A newborn baby generally poops for about 2 to 5 times per day (4). The frequency of poop can increase or decrease depending on if the baby is being breastfed or formula-fed. It’s important to monitor your baby’s poop and check the color and consistency as it can reveal any underlying health conditions that your little one might be having. It is best to talk to your doctor to understand what’s normal and what’s not.
We hope that our list of questions has given you a better understanding of how to make the most of your baby’s doctor’s visits. Did you find our post helpful? Comment below and let us know!
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