Caring for Your Newborn

Having a newborn can be terrifying, especially with a firstborn. You will feel much more confident knowing that the dedicated staff at Caring Hands Children's Clinic are here to offer newborn care in Meadville and Monticello, MS.

Caring for a newborn is not easy, they are demanding, and you will be suffering from lack of sleep very quickly. However, this is an important time in their lives and their caregivers play a huge role in the person they will become. Bonding with your infant is one of the first things that you will do and this will make everything else easier.

Feeding

Feeding probably causes more anxiety in new moms than anything else, especially if you are breastfeeding. It is difficult to know if your baby is getting enough to eat. That is where your office visits come in. If the baby is gaining weight, they are getting enough to eat.

Newborn care in Meadville and Monticello, MS begins a few days after birth and continues through their teen years. Your newborn will see the pediatric team four times in the first month and their progress will be recorded. This is all part of well care. It also allows you to ask any questions. Just knowing that your baby is developing on schedule will go a long way to easing your mind. 

Bathing

The thought of bathing a tiny baby can be daunting, especially when they still have their umbilical cord, and you have to keep it dry. It is pretty scary looking and may put you off of doing anything but a sponge bath for a while. If you have real concerns, you should probably take a baby care class before your infant is born so that you feel comfortable holding a newborn in the bath. 

When To Be Concerned

Some things should raise a red flag and if it happens, you should call your pediatrician immediately. 

• If your newborn has a rectal temperature of more than 100.4
• Your baby is refusing food
• Has watery stools 
• If the umbilical cord area seems red or swollen
• Your baby has a swollen belly
• If your infant is covered in a red rash
• Constant crying and the baby can't be comforted

If any of these things are happening, give your pediatrician a call as soon as possible. Don't be hesitant to give our office a call, we are here to help.

The providers at Caring Hands Children's Clinic are here to help meet all your newborn care needs in Meadville and Monticello, MS. You can reach us in Monticello at (601) 587-4304 and in Meadville at (601) 384-1646.