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A Complete Guide to Post Natal Care

October 13, 2022A thru Z Pediatrics

Did you know the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deems well-child visits and vaccinations essential aspects of post-natal care? The CDC recommends parents follow an immunization schedule developed by a newborn pediatrician to protect their baby from diseases like measles. This also enables doctors to closely monitor other aspects of the baby’s health, like behavioral development. Keen to know how the post-natal care process works? Here’s a chronological guide to understanding the post-natal care process.

Newborn Visit

The post-natal care process begins with a visit from a newborn pediatrician 2-3 days after the mother and her baby are discharged from the hospital. During this visit, the pediatrician examines the newborn’s weight and reflexes. They also check whether the baby has any problems breathing or feeding.

First 6 Months

After the initial visit following delivery, pediatricians meet with the parents and their baby for routine vaccinations. The CDC recommends babies get immunized for various diseases like rotavirus, Hepatitis B, and tetanus within 6 months of being born.

Months 7 to 12

Certain diseases like pneumococcal conjugate (which affects a baby’s lungs) require additional vaccine doses to counteract. These doses are given to babies in months 7 to 12. Moreover, babies start exhibiting emotions after the 6th month, so bringing them for routine visits to a pediatrician in months 7 to 12 is crucial. Pediatricians also monitor the baby’s emotional and social development during this time.

Months 13 to 24

Once a baby has turned 1 year old, they continue to receive vaccinations, and parents have the option of signing up for well-child visits. Pediatricians typically counsel parents during these visits to help them navigate the challenges of raising kids. As a result, parents learn how to optimize their approach to raising their children based on factors like their child’s unique mental and physical attributes.

Month 25 Onwards

From the 25th month onwards, most children know how to communicate, walk, and learn through observation and play. If the child is physically healthy, pediatricians observe their behavior during well-child visits. On the other hand, if the child has a physical condition, pediatricians work with parents to implement treatment plans designed to ensure the child grows up as healthy as possible. Struggling to find a Schertz pediatrician who offers comprehensive post-natal care? It’s time to chat with our team at A Thru Z Pediatrics. We conduct newborn visits to ensure babies are healthy in the first few days after delivery. We also create comprehensive immunization schedules for each child that last from months 1 to 30. In addition to post-natal care, we conduct computerized ADHD testing, sick visits to screen for various common illnesses, and physicals for older kids. Reach out to our team of experts today for all your post-natal care needs in Schertz.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have concerns about your child's health, call your A thru Z Pediatrics office.