Caring for Your Newborn

When it comes to newborn care in Lutz, FL, you can count on Dr. Wendy Masterman of SandHill Pediatrics to provide the care and emotional support that you need. Our pediatric team will be here for you from the moment you bring your newborn home to answer any questions you have and address your concerns. 

Holding your newborn

 Newborns look tiny and fragile and though they are indeed small, they are not as delicate as they appear. What they do need is support for their head since their neck muscles are weak, and they need to feel secure. Never, under any circumstances, shake your baby, and be gentle. This is a tiny human being and a very precious bundle. 

Bonding with your newborn

 If you are breastfeeding will have skin-to-skin contact with your newborn. Don't worry if you are bottle-feeding, you can bond with your baby just as easily. Cuddle with your baby, especially with skin-to-skin contact, look them in the eye, and let them get familiar with the feel and smell of you. Talk, sing, or read to your baby, even a newborn. This is going to be a lifelong relationship, get it off to a good start. 

Bathing

 Bathing can be scary when you are washing such a tiny person, especially when they still have an umbilical cord stump. Just be gentle and keep it dry and within a couple of weeks it will be gone, and you can start to enjoy bath time with your newborn. 

Feeding

 Feeding your newborn can be stressful and stress is not a good thing when you are breastfeeding. You will have four newborn care visits in Lutz, FL, in the first month and this will allow the pediatrician to measure how much weight your infant is gaining. This is the best indicator of how much food your baby is getting. 

Pediatrician visits

 Visits to your pediatric office will begin within a few days after birth. Then, at a week old, two weeks old, and a month old. Progress will be monitored. 

There is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to your newborn. Your pediatrician and the pediatric team are here to ease your mind and to answer any questions you have. You can be sure that you are not the first one to ask any question. Every child is different, even if this isn't your first child, the first few months can be challenging. 

Contact Dr. Masterman of SandHill Pediatrics when you are pregnant to make arrangements for newborn care in Lutz, FL. Our office can be reached at (813) 563-6070 for an appointment. You can also contact us through our website.