Care for Every Stage: Expecting Parents and Newborns
Congratulations! Whether you’re becoming a parent for the first time, or adding a new member to your family, we’re here to support you as you navigate choosing the right pediatrician for your child and guiding their care from newborn to young adulthood.
We know, especially for first time parents, that navigating the early care of your child can be overwhelming. To help ease you into it, we provide some general advice and key tips below.
Choosing a Pediatrician
We recommend you begin your search a few months before your baby’s due date, and know that some babies can – surprise! – come early. Your OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) or midwife may already be asking for the name and contact information of your pediatrician. They will require it upon delivery.
Where to Start Your Search
You might ask for recommendations from friends or family or neighbors in your community. Importantly, you should check your insurance to see what pediatricians are in your plan. Here are the lists of insurance we accept:
Resources to Help You Choose
You can also find a pediatrician through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “Find a Pediatrician” tool which lists accredited members. Here at Bluebird Kids Health, all of our physicians are members of the AAP.
What to Look For in a Pediatrician
Parents choose pediatricians for all kinds of reasons, but they should always be board-eligible or board-certified and trained. Beyond that it can be helpful to review a pediatrician’s personal biography and look for experiences or interests that align with your family and your values. Get to know our providers.
Meeting your Pediatrician
It can be helpful to meet with your preferred pediatrician ahead of your baby’s arrival.
t Bluebird Kids Health, we welcome visits for expectant parents! Attend one of our Expecting Parent Nights to tour our office, meet a provider, and learn about the comprehensive, compassionate care we offer for your child’s physical and mental well-being.
If you haven’t attended an Expecting Parent Night, you can also schedule a one-on-one prenatal visit to meet one of our doctors. Simply call us at (561) 509-5009, let us know you’re considering our practice for your newborn, provide their due date, your insurance information, and the provider you’d like to meet, and we’ll arrange a visit at a time that is convenient for you.
You can also call and ask for recommendations on pediatricians at the location you desire and we can match you to a pediatrician that's the best fit for you and your family.
Prepare a list of questions
We recommend you prepare a list of questions for the pediatrician for when you meet. Remember, there are neither correct or incorrect questions. Possible questions could include asking about:
Baby’s First Visits
Now that you’ve done the important job of choosing a pediatrician that’s right for you and your family, you probably have questions about what to expect after your baby is here.
Within the first five days of your baby’s life, they will meet their pediatrician. At Bluebird Kids Health we typically see our newborns within 48 hours of their delivery. The hospital at which you are delivering can schedule this appointment on your behalf, but you are also free to call the practice directly and make an appointment. You can call us at (561) 509-5009.
Add your newborn to your health insurance right away. Most insurance plans require newborns to be added within 30 days of their birth date.
Your first visit should include a physical examination and a discussion of your family history. Your pediatrician will evaluate your baby to ensure they are physically healthy and make note of any unique findings such as birthmarks. They will also review you and your partner’s family medical history to ensure we have a complete picture in order to provide the best care for your newest family member.
Follow-Up Visits
You will then work with your pediatrician and the office to schedule the next few in a series of your baby’s first visits. These visits generally include:
Weight Check-ups
Your pediatrician will want to confirm your baby is eating appropriately, regaining any weight they lost in the hospital, and that their umbilical cord (belly button) has either fallen off or is about to.
Developmental Milestones
Within the first month, your pediatrician will want to evaluate if your newborn is meeting certain milestones that speak to good health, such as partially lifting their head, making new facial expressions, or startling to loud noises.
Parent Questions and Concerns
This is a time of transition and discovery for new parents and understandably, you may have many questions. These visits are meant to address any and all concerns.
Frequently asked questions
How soon should I make an appointment with a newborn?
Can I meet my pediatrician before my newborn arrives?
What information should I expect to review at my newborn’s first visit?
Supportive Pediatric Care for Your Newborn
Ultimately, choosing and receiving the best pediatric care for your newborn should feel supportive and comforting, not stressful or overwhelming.
We at Bluebird Kids Health are here to help! If you would like to learn more about our services for newborns and expectant parents, please give us a call or book an appointment online.
