Our Services / Newborn Care

What is newborn care?

Newborn care is a subset of pediatrics that educates new parents on preventive care, immunizations, well-child visits, and developmental milestones. By enrolling in newborn care with Dr. St. Etienne, you can ensure your little one stays healthy and happy as they grow.

What services does newborn care provide?

At Children’s Medical Clinic, Dr. St. Etienne offers various newborn care services, including:

In-hospital nursery care

Dr. St. Etienne holds privileges at several hospitals in the New Orleans area. When it’s time to deliver your baby, Dr. St. Etienne can assist. After your baby arrives, Dr. St. Etienne can refer you to a feeding specialist or lactation consultant who can teach you how to nurse or bottle-feed your baby.

Well-child visits

Infants grow and develop rapidly, making routine checkups crucial. After your baby arrives, Dr. St. Etienne creates a checkup schedule that aligns with their needs. Typically, that includes at least nine visits during their first two years of life. 

Parent education

There’s a lot to learn as a new parent. Dr. St. Etienne regularly educates parents on handling newborns, bonding, soothing, swaddling, diaper changes, and more. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure to bring them up during your child’s checkups.

Sick visits

If your child develops a fever or a sore throat that doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, contact Dr. St. Etienne right away. Newborns are particularly susceptible to acute illnesses, like the common cold and the seasonal flu. 

What should I bring to a newborn care appointment?

To ensure your child’s newborn care appointment goes smoothly, Dr. St. Etienne recommends bringing the following items:

• Your health insurance information
• A list of any questions or concerns you have
• Results from any tests that occurred during your pregnancy
• A list of any immunizations your baby received at the hospital
• Newborn's hospital discharge paperwork

What can I do to keep my baby healthy?

There are several things you can do at home to keep your baby healthy, including:

• Washing your hands before handling them
• Monitor water temperature of bath water, keeping water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Have car seat positioned in the back seat facing the rear to bring infant home
• Have a crib or bassinet with a flat surface where baby will sleep on its back
• Holding them and being attentive to their needs
• Using fragrance-free soaps and lotions to prevent rashes or itchy skin
• Caretaker to take care of themselves by asking for help if needed

If your baby stops eating, stays fussy for an extended period, or doesn’t poop regularly, contact Dr. St. Etienne right away.

If you’re pregnant and want to establish newborn care with an experienced provider, make an appointment at Children’s Medical Clinic by calling the office or booking online today.