A paediatrician's visit is the first meeting of a newborn with a doctor outside the hospital, which aims to comprehensively assess the child's health. We present a special guide to help you prepare for this important event. The article was based on a podcast WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY? with the participation of pediatric specialist, Dr. Kamil Bar. 

WHAT IS A PATRONAGE VISIT?

A patronage visit is the first medical visit for a newborn as part of primary health care (PHC), which should take place by the 28th day of the child's life. Its purpose is to comprehensively assess the newborn's health after leaving the hospital. Depending on the arrangements of the facility, the visit may take place in a doctor's office or at the patient's home.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PATRONAGE VISIT?

To ensure your visit goes smoothly, it is worth remembering a few important things:

Documents: Take your child's health booklet and hospital discharge papers with you; if any other specialist visits or laboratory tests have taken place at the time of your visit, it is a good idea to have them with you as well. 

Additional items: Have a supply of diapers, a change of clothes and wipes ready. If your visit is longer, you may need to feed your baby, so it's a good idea to bring a bottle of milk (if you're formula feeding).

List of questions: Write down any questions you would like to ask your doctor. It’s easy to overlook something in the heat of the moment, and this is a great time to clear up any doubts.

HOW DOES THE VISIT WORK?

During the visit, the doctor performs a detailed examination of the newborn, which includes:

Anthropometric measurements: The doctor will check the baby's weight gain, head circumference, and body length.

Physical examination: The pediatrician will examine the newborn "from head to toe", including the condition of the navel, assess the genitals, hip abduction, check basic neurological reflexes, and assess any symptoms such as jaundice or skin lesions.

Conversation about vaccinations: available vaccination schedules, possible differences in schedules in relation to special situations, including vaccination of premature babies

Answers to parents' questions: This is the time when you can ask about all the issues that concern you – from feeding your baby, through sleep, to development and care.

Doctor's recommendations after the visit: based on the results of the child's examination and recommendations from the neonatal ward/midwife's visits

Some facilities offer a transcutaneous bilirubin test to assess the severity of jaundice. This test is not standard and may require additional fees.

A visit to the pediatrician is an extremely important moment for a newborn and their parents. It is an opportunity to learn how your child is developing, seek advice from a specialist, and get answers to your questions. Remember to prepare well, have all the necessary documents and a list of questions you want to ask. This will make the visit go smoothly and without stress.

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast too WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY?, which provides valuable information to help parents take care of their children's health.