So you have welcomed a new member in the family and his presence has made you go ecstatic. You are on your toes and want to be the perfect parents for your little one.
You want to be aware of your baby’s growth, development, his little gestures; and for that matter everything that concerns your newborn. While you set on this parenting journey, you will need a lot of guidance and expert advice. And the only person to approach happens to be your baby’s pediatrician.
He or she for sure has a vital role to play in regards to your baby’s growth, development and above all his health. This is why you must choose your baby’s pediatrician carefully and look up to him as your partner in caring for the newborn. This apparently calls for building up a connection with the pediatrician and for the same, new parents ought to know certain important things concerning their babies.
Here check out these 10 things which your child’s pediatrician wants you to know for sure before you make that first visit to his clinic:
1. A little self-preparation is always good
Prior to making a visit to pediatrician, make sure that you do some preparation. This counts for knowing or collecting all the vital information about your baby such as his birth history, breastfeeding behaviour, and your family’s health status (it’s important that your pediatrician knows whether or not there is any genetic disease existing in your family). If at all there are any prescriptions that were given to your baby after birth, do make sure to carry them along. The pediatrician must be aware of each and every minute detail about your baby as it helps in monitoring the health more effectively.
2. Enhance your knowledge about breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the best and ideal way of nurturing your little one. New mothers must try and collect relevant information about breastfeeding as this will help them in putting forward their concerns before the pediatrician. If you won’t be aware of breastfeeding facts, you may not understand if at all there are things complicating this natural process for you.
3. Be very watchful
Another important thing a pediatrician wants new parents to know or rather say implement is being watchful. As new parents, you must make an effort to be vigilant about your baby’s each and every movement. You have to monitor his behaviour closely to figure out if anything is causing him some sort of discomfort. You’ll have to check if he is being fed in the right manner and whether he is showing any signs of health issues.
4. Share each and every detail
When you will be vigilant enough, you will be in a better position to share about your baby’s day to day activities with the pediatrician. This may include his sleep pattern, crying intensity; color as well the consistency of his poop, his feeding order etc. All these are the vital details that help a pediatrician to study and analyze your baby’s progress. Therefore, share each and every detail concerning your baby which you feel can be crucial.
5. Don’t be apprehensive, just be clear
It is often seen that new parents are conscious about being judged. They don’t want to appear naive in front of the pediatrician or any person they feel has better knowledge about kids’ health. Also, some parents tend to be little shy when it comes to asking question regarding baby’s health or development. Though it’s quite natural for you to behave this way but being apprehensive is not going to solve your problems. You will need to have open ended discussions with the pediatrician and for the same, it’s equally vital that you share every detail with them in a clear way. Make sure there’s no room for any sort of guessing.
6. Be patient and stay away from panic
New parents often have found them in a panic situation when they see any new change happening with their baby. For instance, a fever. Your concern is quite justified but that needs to be dealt in a patient manner. Parenting is all about patience and it’s going to help you in the long run too. If at all you notice some changes in the baby that make you worry, speak to your pediatrician. Never let panic overtake your senses.
7. Share vital information with other caregivers in the family as well
At times it happens that babies are taken to pediatrician by another caregiver in the family like grandfather, grandmother or any close and trustworthy relative. You must ensure that the caregiver has all the necessary information about the baby’s health and details of the past visits as made to the clinic. This will help the caregiver and pediatrician connect in a healthy manner and discuss the concerned matter.
8. Be prepared about the changes lined up
Babies will not remain the same forever, they are on a growing spree and you will get to notice some minor as well as major changes in them. As new parents, keep yourself updated with the changes and developments a baby is likely to encounter. Certain amount of weight loss, changes in the sleep or feeding pattern are few changes that worry new parents. But if you know about them beforehand, they won’t cause any worry.
9. Call and seek advice, don’t rely on self-knowledge
This is one of the prime things a pediatrician wants new parents to know. You may be acquiring the needed knowledge about baby’s growth and health, but seeking an expert advice is always the right choice. In case of any emergency or doubt, always call the pediatrician rather than relying on some random information or self-knowledge.
10. Never take your pediatrician for granted
Internet for sure is a good platform to seek useful information about baby’s growth and development. But avoid coming up with your own diagnosis when you see the pediatrician. Better leave that job to him as he very well knows what’s good for your baby.
It’s important that you build a strong and healthy bond with the pediatrician as you both are working together for the same cause, ensuring baby’s health. Do remember these things when you head to your pediatrician, it will surely be appreciated!