The Fourth Trimester: What to Expect at Your Newborn’s First Doctor Visit
Category: Newborn Care / Expecting Parents
Reading Time: 4 Minutes
You did it! After months of anticipation, nursery decorating, and preparing, your beautiful baby has finally arrived.
However, as any parent in Idaho Falls will tell you, the moment you leave the safety of the nurses at EIRMC or Mountain View Hospital and strap that tiny car seat into your car, a sudden wave of panic can set in. Now what?
Welcome to the "Fourth Trimester." The first few weeks of your baby’s life are a beautiful, exhausting blur of feeding, burping, and changing diapers. At Bee Happy Pediatrics, we believe our job isn't just to care for your newborn; it is to care for you as you navigate this massive life transition.
If you are expecting a baby or just brought one home, here is exactly what to expect at your newborn's first visit to our office.
When Does the First Visit Happen?
Typically, your newborn’s first pediatric visit should happen 1 to 3 days after you are discharged from the hospital.
If you had a home birth or used a local birthing center, we usually like to see the baby within the first 24 to 48 hours of life. This initial check-up is crucial because babies change rapidly in their first week, and we want to ensure they are transitioning well to the outside world.
What We Check at the First Appointment
Our newborn visits at our South 25th East office are thorough, but we also try to keep them as calm and gentle as possible. Here are the main things we look for:
1. The Weight Check
It is completely normal for babies to lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days of life. We will weigh your baby without clothes or a diaper to get an exact number. Our goal is to make sure they are on track to regain their original birth weight by the time they are two weeks old.
2. Jaundice Screening
Many newborns develop a slight yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice. This happens when a substance called bilirubin builds up in their blood. We will check their skin and, if necessary, use a quick, painless monitor to check their bilirubin levels to ensure they are clearing it properly.
3. Feeding Consult
Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, pumping, using formula, or a combination of all three, fed is best.
If you are breastfeeding, we will ask how the latch feels and how often the baby is eating.
If you are formula-feeding, we can help you calculate exactly how many ounces your baby needs at this stage.
Note: We track "ins and outs," so be prepared to answer how many wet and dirty diapers your baby is producing a day!
4. Physical Exam & Cord Care
We will check your baby from head to toe. We listen to their heart and lungs, check their hips, and examine their reflexes. We will also check the umbilical cord stump to ensure it is drying out and healing properly, and review circumcision care if applicable.
The "No Question is Too Silly" Zone
First-time parents often come in with a list of questions written on their phones. We love this!
Wondering if a certain poop color is normal? Ask us. Curious about how to use a swaddle or if the dry Idaho air is making your baby's skin peel? Ask us. Worried about your own mental health or postpartum recovery? Please tell us.
At Bee Happy Pediatrics, our exam rooms are a judgment-free zone. We know you are sleep-deprived, and we are here to offer expert medical advice, reassurance, and a listening ear.
Welcome to the Hive!
Choosing a pediatrician is one of the first major decisions you make for your child. We would be honored to care for your newest addition.
If you are pregnant or have just delivered, call Bee Happy Pediatrics in Idaho Falls at (208) 497-0680 to schedule your baby's first check-up. We can’t wait to meet your little one!