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Checkups
What to Expect at the Doctor's Office
By Amy Carey
assistant will give your child the immunization(s) after your doctor has completed her visit with you. "The parent's role is generally to help hold the child still while the vaccines are being given and to console the child afterwards," Dr. Busey says.
Dr. Sugar suggests that the parent cuddle the baby to calm him down right after the shot. In addition, she says some practitioners will recommend Tylenol.
If your doctor notes something of concern in your baby's health or behavior during the examination, some type of follow-up is essential, Dr. Busey says. An appropriate follow-up could be a phone call by the doctor or office nurse, a follow-up office visit or referral to a specialist. On the other hand, "If the parent expresses a concern that the doctor does not feel is worrisome from a medical standpoint, the doctor needs to effectively educate and reassure the parent about why it is not worrisome or likely to be harmful to their child," she says.
In Podpora's case, she was concerned about her infant daughter's spitting up after every feeding. "I was concerned that she wouldn't grow normally, but the pediatrician reassured me that she was growing fine, and that if at any time she stopped growing or lost weight, there was medication to help her." Never leave the office feeling uncertain or uncomfortable about the answers your doctor has given.
Finally, Dr. Sugar reminds parents not to worry. "Don't be nervous, this should be fun! Think of a well-baby visit as a time to have a conversation about your baby with someone who has lots of experience with babies." And for most new parents, that conversation is a welcome one
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