Your Baby’s First Doctor Visit: What To Know Before You Go

Having a child is a joyous event. After you bring your little one home, there is so much you must plan to do to care for them. One of the first things to schedule is their first check-up with a pediatrician. At TLC Pediatrics, your child is under the care of Dr. Patricia Jorquera. When you come to her for newborn care in Norwalk, CT, you have a trusted doctor with whom you can develop a solid relationship.

What to Prepare Before the Visit

Before you bring your child in for their first visit, there are some things you should prepare. Your newborn will be fragile, so make sure that you wrap them warmly. Bring things like diapers, feeding supplies, and a change of clothes. Don't forget your health paperwork. Bring any information related to your child's birth. The doctor needs to have information about pregnancy or birth complications.

What Happens During the Visit

Your doctor will start a growth chart because this is the first pediatric visit. She will measure the child's head circumference, length, and weight, note all of these on the chart, and update it at each subsequent visit.

As part of newborn care in Norwalk, CT, she will perform a complete physical exam to ensure the baby is in good overall health. Dr. Jorquera will monitor the heart rate and breathing rate. The doctor also looks at the umbilical cord stump to ensure it's not infected and is healing properly. Some babies may become jaundiced a few days after birth, so your doctor will check for that.

What This Visit Matters

Bringing your child to TLC Pediatrics for the first time starts an important medical relationship. During the first year, you should bring your newborn to the doctor for checkups about six times. These visits are the time to ask your pediatrician as many questions as needed. After all, having a new baby, especially if it's your first child, is a major event, and you need as much compassionate guidance from your doctors as possible. Therefore, take the time to prepare and ask as many questions as needed. Whether it's questions about feeding, sleep, or how to keep your baby warm, Dr. Jorquera will help you.

When you need quality newborn care in Norwalk, CT, Dr. Jorquera provides the trusted and caring service you need. Call TLC Pediatrics at 203-855-7551 to make an appointment today.