Newborn Care

Most newborns will be seen at least three times during their first month of life. During these visits we will ensure that your baby is growing and developing as expected and address any concerns you may have as you and your family adjust to your new routine. 

• Circumcision – If you wish to have your baby boy circumcised by one of our board-certified pediatricians, please let us know at your first visit in our office so the procedure may be scheduled. We recommend that the circumcision be done as soon as it is possible after birth, and are able to perform the procedure in our office up to a month of age.

• Jaundice – Many newborns will exhibit jaundice, a yellowish coloring of the skin, caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Since very high levels of bilirubin can be dangerous to your newborn, typically the hospital will check your child’s bilirubin level prior to discharge. If the jaundice persists or worsens after your baby comes home, our providers may need to monitor it closely during visits or even check your baby’s bilirubin level with a heel stick in our office.

• Breastfeeding – Each of our skilled providers are qualified to offer breastfeeding support and advice. We strongly encourage new mothers to work with lactation consultants in the hospital during those first few days of life. If further assistance is needed after your baby comes home, our providers can help you get connected with outpatient lactation services. 

• Tongue Tie – Some babies are born “tongue-tied” – a condition in which the frenulum (the fold of skin under the tongue or between the lip and gum) is unusually short or tight, impairing the infant’s ability to breastfeed. If this condition is identified, our providers will in most cases refer your baby to a local pediatric ENT physician or dentist who may perform a frenotomy, a procedure where the frenulum is cut to allow more movement of the tongue or lip.     

• Vaccinations and Immunizations -- To protect your newborn from diseases and infections, the providers at Pediatrics in Brevard adhere to the immunization guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These include:
• A first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine at birth or shortly after.
• Beginning series of DTaP, Polio, Hib, Pneumococcal, and Rotavirus vaccinations at the 2 month well visit.

Click here for more information about the recommended vaccine schedule.