Having a baby is probably the most stressful and wonderful thing you will ever do. Nothing can truly prepare you for what it will be like but having a newborn doctor in Saginaw, MI is certainly helpful. Dr. Gayatri Shanker of Caring Pediatric Partners is dedicated to making sure that your child gets off to the best start possible and that you are ready for parenthood.
When your baby is born, it will be cared for by a hospital neonatologist. Dr. Shanker will ask that you make an appointment for her to see your baby for the first time within 2 to 3 days after you are discharged. By this time, some of the areas where you are feeling like you are coming up short will have presented themselves, and you should have a list of concerns to discuss with her.
Holding Your Baby
When you have your first baby you may be very hesitant when it comes to the proper way to hold your newborn. They are so small and fragile-looking. Always wash your hands before holding the baby. Provide support for the head and neck and never shake the baby. Be gentle and loving, and you don't need to be afraid.
Feeding Your Baby
If you are planning to breastfeed it can cause you some anxiety. But it is very natural, and you just need to relax and bond with your baby. Your baby will need to nurse about every three hours as a newborn. Make sure you eat enough calories to feed the two of you and have a comfortable place to sit while breastfeeding. In the early days it may take a while for the baby to nurse, and you need to be secure.
The Umbilical Cord
Having to care for the baby's umbilical cord can be very distressing and scary. You may be afraid to go anywhere near it for fear of hurting it. You will be giving the baby a sponge bath until the cord falls off and just the sound of saying the cord falls off can make you cringe. Relax, your newborn doctor in Saginaw, MI will put your mind at ease, and within a week or two it will be gone.
Your newborn doctor will be with you every step of the way from the time your baby is born until they are adults, and you will turn to them for well care and sick visits for years to come.
Call Our Office
Contact Dr. Shanker of Caring Pediatric Partners when you need a Newborn Doctor in Saginaw, MI. If you are pregnant and ready to meet a caring pediatrician, give our office a call at (989) 793-1095.