Now the day you’ve been waiting for…the birth of your baby. After your baby is born, she will be given her first check-up.
Newborn First Check-up
Your baby’s first check-up will happen moments after her birth. During your hospital stay, nurses will continue to check your baby’s health, check her temperature, how she is breathing, and what her responses are to light and sound. She may be checked again two to four days after birth. This first well-baby check-up is important so the doctor can make sure your baby is adjusting well to life outside the womb. This is also a good time for you to talk about how breastfeeding is going and ask general childcare questions.
- Before you leave the hospital make sure your baby has an appointment set up with the pediatrician or clinic for his first well-baby check-up.
- If you don’t have a doctor or are not insured, you can find out where to take your baby for care by calling your local DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
- Many resources are available to make sure your baby gets his check-up and stay healthy, including programs such as:
- Healthy Families
- Medi-Cal
- Healthy Kids
Call your local health department to find out about resources in your area.
—- from First5 Advice for New Parents
