Every state screens babies for more than two dozen disorders.
Most of the times this occurs in the hospital or pediatrician's office shortly after birth. Ĭaring for a newborn also includes the health screening of the newborn. This includes rare diseases and more common ones, such as the flu. Young children need vaccines because the diseases they protect against can strike at an early age and can be very dangerous in childhood. Parents can ask about reasons to call the doctor and about what vaccines their baby needs and when. The baby's first doctor's visit is another good time to ask about any infant care questions. Having a support person stay with the newborn for a few days can give the mother the confidence to go at it alone in the weeks ahead. Many first-time parents also welcome the help of a family member or friend who has "been there". If breastfeeding, a mother can ask whether a lactation consultant can visit the home to provide follow-up support, as well as providing other resources in the community, such as peer support groups. Many new parents appreciate somebody checking in with them and their baby a few days after coming home.