Newborns need specialized, experienced care to ensure that they grow and develop properly. Board-certified pediatrician Rubina Azam, MD, FAAP, ABIHM, of Baldwin Pediatrics provides comprehensive care to newborn patients in Panama City, Florida, and the surrounding area. Patients interested in meeting Dr. Azam can contact Baldwin Pediatrics to schedule an appointment for a complimentary visit before the baby is born.
Expectant parents should establish a relationship with a pediatrician during the prenatal period before the baby is born. Please call to schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Azam and see her office. She’ll go over what you can expect at newborn appointments and how she’s uniquely qualified to provide expert advice and care for your new baby.
Once born, newborns have unique needs and must be monitored more closely than older children. The delivering doctor will help guide you as to when you should first see a pediatrician, such as Dr. Azam, who will then set up a schedule of visits.
During newborn care appointments, your baby is weighed and measured to make sure they're growing well. Dr. Azam will perform a complete physical examination and ask questions about the baby’s eating and sleeping habits.
Dr. Azam recommends new parents initially avoid supplementing with formula and pacifiers, since these decrease nursing time. At your appointment, she can answer any questions or concerns you have about feeding schedules, milk supply, and discomfort.
She encourages parents to bring a list of questions they may have about their baby to the appointment so she can educate and reassure them about the wonders and challenges of caring for a newborn.
Newborns should be seen by Dr. Azam 1-3 days after hospital discharge, depending on the recommendation of the hospital doctor or nurse-midwife. You should also return to the office when the baby is two weeks, four weeks, and two months old. The recommended schedule for well-child visits is here. Babies who are premature or have certain medical conditions may need to be seen more often.
In addition to regular newborn visits, parents should also make appointments with Dr. Azam whenever they have a concern about the baby’s health or development. If parents aren’t sure whether an appointment is necessary for a certain issue, they can call Baldwin Pediatrics for guidance.
