Make sure your partner has the paper and pen ready. These are some basic questions to ask hospital staff before being discharged so you can feel ready:
- What vaccines/medications are administered to the baby in the hospital? Ask the hospital for a vaccine record and bring it to the pediatrician to update. Need help picking out a pediatrician that fits best with your family? Check out our video for some tips!
- Ask about the lab work they draw from your newborn. They will perform a lot of tests to make sure your baby is healthy and it’s always reassuring to ask about the results. Examples of labs they might perform: bilirubin, glucose, PKU screen (fancy test to make sure they don’t have any metabolic disorders), etc. Your pediatrician will follow up with these labs so make sure you get your newborn paperwork and bring it to your first pediatrician appointment.
- Ask the nurse to show you how to swaddle/diaper your baby. After, do it yourself in front of the nurse so they can provide you with helpful feedback.
- Watch the nurses bathe the baby and ask questions. It will make you more confident when you have to bathe at home.
- Circumcision for your boy? Don’t worry it’s just the tip! This decision is completely up to you and the healthcare staff will be able to help you with whatever decision you make. If they do receive a circumcision, they will need some follow-up care. Make sure to ask questions about how you should help their Lil Weiner heal. If you choose not to have your baby circumcised , make sure you know how to clean under the foreskin.
- Ask about the umbilical cord stump! It’s just a scab. Don’t be afraid of it, but do ask questions so you know what to expect and what is abnormal. Keep it dry!
- Ask about all the weird noises your baby is making. Was that a sneeze? Hiccups? These little humans can be extremely loud. Some normal noises can be alarming for new parents.
- Do you have another child? Dog? Cat? Ask how to best introduce the new addition to the family. This is a transition period for everyone in your house!
- What are their recommendations for car seats? Make sure to take care of your new precious cargo. You may want to pack the car seat directions. Assembly can be tricky depending on the car seat. A great task for your partner to conquer!
- Ask important safety questions about sleeping. SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome) is rare, but it is always important to talk to your doctor about it. In general, you should never have a newborn sleep on their stomach or with any pillows or blankets.
- Baby skin questions. Whoever said the phrase “smooth as a baby’s bottom” was not referring to a newborn. They just left a uterus pool party. Their skin is reactionary. Skin can range from red, blotchy, smooth, and bumpy.
- Pepper the lactation consultant with any and all feeding questions. You do not need to breastfeed to use a lactation consultant! They can help answer pumping and supplementing questions. They will get you started and put you on the right track for successful feeding. Check my Breastfeeding Beginning Basics blog for some starter information.
If you feel super unprepared, don’t stress. When you get home, schedule a video consultation with me and we can go through all the important reminders and tips for newborn life. The Baby Pro is here to help!