Pediatric office visits seem to be a frequent occurrence. This is particularly true in the newborn period and up to age one. What should you expect when you see your child’s doctor?
In our office we see newborns after birth and daily while they are still in the hospital. After they go home, we like to see them in the office about two to three days later to check their weight, see how feeding is going, make sure they are not jaundiced, do a physical exam and to see how the family is adjusting. We then see them back at two weeks and one month of age to check on basically the same things again. Starting at two months of age, they get vaccinations.
On all of our well child visits, we not only do physical exams, but we also spend time discussing developmental stages and go over anticipatory guidance with the family. We try to address any concerns that the family may have. We try to prepare them for the upcoming changes in development that can be expected, while trying to make sure the family is adjusting well and has support.
The schedule for routine well child visits starting at two months of age is at the following ages: two months, four months, six months, nine months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, two years, two-and-a-half years, three years, then annually after that.
It is important to address any concerns or questions that you may have about your child with your health care provider at these visits. Raising children can be difficult at times, and it helps to know what to expect.
For more information, please call 661-253-4971 or visit www.santaclaritapediatrics.com.