Newborn Care in Los Gatos, CA
Your baby is finally here! However, if you’re a first-time parent you may have a ton of questions about caring for your newborn. We know that dressing, changing, and even handling your little newborn may make you feel more than a little nervous, but trust us when we say, “You got this!” From providing your child with wellness checkups to offering parents recommendations and support, the pediatric team at LG Pediatrics in Los Gatos, CA is here to help your family the moment you bring your newborn home.
Handling
We know how tiny your newborn is but there are some basic ways to handle and support them safely. Make sure to:
- Always wash your hands before holding or handling your baby
- Always provide ample support for their head and neck
- Always be gentle with your newborn
- Never shake your baby, even to wake them
Bathing
You will sponge bathe your newborn until the umbilical cord falls off and the area heals (if your baby has been circumcised you will want to wait for the area to heal completely, as well). Once you can start bathing your baby, you will only need to bathe them about 2-3 times a week (any more than that, and you risk drying out their skin). Use mild, fragrance-free shampoos and soaps designed for babies, as well as soft washcloths and towels. Once your child upgrades from sponge baths you’ll want to purchase an infant tub.
Breastfeeding
If you’re planning to breastfeed, you must start immediately in the hospital after your baby is born. Don’t worry, if it takes a little while to get the hang of it. That’s completely natural. Of course, if you do find yourself dealing with breastfeeding problems, we can recommend a lactation consultant to help make breastfeeding easier.
It’s important to create a feeding schedule. Newborns will need to nurse about every three hours. Create a comfortable space for you and the baby when you nurse, as it may take quite a bit of time in the very beginning and you both want to be comfortable. Most women need to maintain anywhere from 2,200-2,400 calories a day to keep up with the demands of nursing.
Know When to See Your Pediatrician
Along with wellness checkups, our pediatric team is here for you and your baby whenever you need it. There will certainly come a time when your newborn may be sick or displaying symptoms that have you nervous. Give LG Pediatrics a call anytime your newborn:
- Is under 2 months and has a fever over 100.4 degrees F
- Won’t eat or refuses to eat
- Has watery stools
- Is unresponsive or extremely sleepy
- Won’t stop crying and can’t be consoled
- Has a red rash all over the body
- Has any signs of infection around the umbilical cord (redness; swelling)
- Has a swollen stomach
Newborn Care Q & A
What happens at a prenatal pediatric visit?
A prenatal visit scheduled a few months before you give birth helps the staff at LG Pediatrics get to know you and answer any questions or concerns you have about your soon-to-arrive family member. Their staff teach you how to prepare for bringing your baby home and what to expect those first few days of life.
When should my baby first see a pediatrician?
It’s not necessary to register with our office before you deliver. If you give birth at Good Samaritan Hospital, just inform the staff when you arrive at the hospital. They notify LG Pediatrics when your baby is born and your newborn is scheduled for an exam within 24 hours.
If you deliver your baby at another medical facility, their staff pediatrician examines your newborn. After discharge, call LG Pediatrics to make an appointment or use the online booking tool. It’s important to see new patients in their first few days of life so the staff can get to know them and address any possible health concerns immediately.
Why are newborn well-care visits important?
The doctors check your baby’s weight and height at each visit to ensure they’re gaining a healthy, normal amount of weight. They also check for developmental milestones.
What care does a newborn with jaundice need?
Babies with jaundice are born with a yellow tint to their skin and the whites of their eyes. It’s caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood; bilirubin is a waste product normally filtered through the liver. Jaundice usually starts three to five days after birth, but it typically goes away on its own within just a few weeks. High, untreated bilirubin issues can cause complications, so although it’s normal, it should be monitored closely.
If your baby was born with jaundice, the staff can monitor how your baby responds to this common condition. The doctors will ensure that it’s not causing interference with your baby’s sleep or ability to breastfeed. The doctors at LG Pediatrics can also reduce any anxiety in the parents related to the condition.
What support do parents need for newborns?
LG Pediatrics helps parents adjust to having a new baby. They can answer questions you have about nutrition, development, and proper growth. The doctors also offer advice and support for breastfeeding moms and help if your baby is having sleep issues. They’ll also answer any questions you have about circumcision and perform the procedure if desired.
