(Part 1 of 2): Taking care of newborn babies

Donya Betancourt, Pediatitian, drdonya@hotmail.com

Let's talk about the first full medical checkup after your baby is born. Some time in the first 24 hours after birth, your baby will get a through medical check.

The procedure should be done in front of both parents so that the doctor can not only assure you that all is well but can demonstrate and explain what is being done.

This first medical checkup should be an excellent opportunity to ask questions. However, it doesn't always turn out that way.

Doctors are sometimes in a hurry. New babies sometimes howl throughout the exam and new parents are often not yet capable of constructing a coherent question, let alone taking in the answer. Questions and concern tends to surface later.

As long as you are in the hospital, there will always be someone to ask questions about your concerns so don't hesitate to ask as there is no better time than the present. The medical exam will comprise the following. * Weighing and measuring: The average weight is 3.4 kilograms, or between 2.5 kgs and 4.5 kgs. The body height will also be measured. The average is 50 centimeters. The head circumference averages in the range from 33 centimeters to 37 centimeters. * Heart and lungs: The stethoscope is used to listen to your baby's chest and make sure that the breathing is strong and steady and heart sound is normal. * Internal organs: By feeling your baby's tummy, the doctor will check the baby's liver. The doctor will make sure that the kidney and spleen are the right size and correctly positioned and also check for a normal pulse in the groin. He or she will also see that the umbilicus and blood vessels are in the right place; there is one big vein and two small arteries. These blood vessels relate to the internal organs. * Limbs: The baby's limbs will be checked to see that they match in length and that there are 10 each fingers and toes, and that legs and feet are properly aligned with no signs of club foot. * Hips: The baby's hip joints will be checked for dislocation or the tell-tale clicking that suggests instability and a risk of dislocation later on. * Genitals: The doctor will make sure that the genitals are normal and check whether a baby boy's testes have descended. * Spine and anus: Holding the baby face down along her forearm, the doctor cab check that all your baby's vertebrae are in place and the back passage is open. * Eyes and palate: The doctor will use a flashing to check the baby's eyes and if the baby can see clearly. A finger to suck will calm your baby during the inspection of his or her eyes, and will also allow the doctor to check for a cleft in the palate.

Once your doctor sends you and your baby home, you may wonder how you are going to take care of this baby, especially if it is your first. Don't worry, the most important thing to keep in mind is that there are just a few everyday care items involved such as lifting and carrying your baby.

Newborn babies have an instinctive fear of being dropped, consequently if you want to avoid baby stress be sure that you arrange your hands and arms under and around him/her while the mattress still supports his/her weight before lifting your baby.

Do not begin to lift until the baby feels the new security your hands are providing. The other activities are dressing your baby, and then there is changing diapers and bathing.

If you can handle all of those little things then looking after your baby is no more difficult than looking after yourself.