You won't need to rush anywhere. The maternity hospital sends information about the newborn to the local clinic, and within 3 days after discharge, a pediatrician will visit you (to conduct a newborn medical check-up). Of course, there can be exceptions, so if a doctor does not see you within three days, it makes sense to call the clinic yourself and inform them.
If the newborn is discharged in good condition (as they don't discharge children in poor health), there's generally no need to worry. However, if the baby has a congenital pathology or the pediatrician notices something concerning during the check-up, more frequent observation may be necessary.
Parenthood, especially if it's your first child, can be overwhelming. Therefore, write down any questions you want to ask the pediatrician. In the first month of life, the baby is monitored at home, with assessments of general condition, nutrition, activity, and other factors.
There is a great thing called prenatal check-ups: during pregnancy, the mother visits the pediatrician to discuss the main points:
There is a great thing called prenatal check-ups: during pregnancy, the mother visits the pediatrician to discuss the main points:
- What to take with you to the maternity hospital
- How the baby's sleeping place should be
- How and with what to bathe the baby
- How to feed the baby
Conversations with the doctor help you understand what to expect and how to handle it so you'll be more prepared for this new stage of life.
A mother can see the pediatrician whenever necessary. Prenatal and initial check-ups are significant in this matter: if all the parents' concerns are discussed, minimal questions should be left.