Visiting the Pediatrician: Month 1

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[x]   Transcript: Dont worry, this wont hurt a bit! Your babys first doctors visit should be relatively painless for BOTH of you. At your infants one-month appointment, the pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to ensure that he or she is growing at a healthy pace. Expect the doctor to check your babys hearing and vision at this time, too. Because your baby is still so new, your doctor will want to verify that the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, and that the belly button is healing. If youre the parent of a circumcised boy, expect the doctor to check the healing process there, too. After the formalities are out of the way, your babys pediatrician will ask you some basic questions about your little ones development. Be prepared to tell the doctor how your infant is sleeping. Most newborns are snoozing in two or three hour stretches at this point, totaling some 15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour day. Youll also want to mention whether your baby is eating formula or breast milk, and how often you are doing feedings. Generally, a one-month-old eats every two to three hours. If your baby is exclusively breastfed the doctor will want you to discuss future supplementation with vitamin d, which can be obtained by drops over the counter. Because what goes in must come out, your pediatrician will also ask about your babys bowel movements. Loose, soft stool is best, as hard, infrequent poops may be a sign of dehydration or constipation. The doctor will also want to know if your baby tries to hold her head up when placed on her tummy, an important milestone that should be happening by now. Finally, the doctor will ask about your babys disposition. Infants should have slightly longer periods of being awake and alert by four weeks of age, although they tend to get crankier at night. If you have any other concerns about your babys body or development, dont be shy about voicing them now. And definitely dont worry that youre overreacting to a potential problem. Being smart and safe means that you wont be sorry!

[x]   Bio:

Dr. Marleigh Moscatel practices Pediatrics in Croton on Hudson, New York. Credentials: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin U-Med & ScienceMD , Medicine , 1994 — 1998Honors in Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Histology Activities and Societies: Alpha Omega Alpha (inducted in my 3rd year)University of California, Los AngelesBA , Psychology , 1991 — 1992 Activities and Societies: Golden Key National Honor Society, Magna Cum LaudeNorthwestern UniversityTheater, Pre-Med 1988 — 1990