Paediatrics

Newborn Care

The first weeks of a baby's life are a critical period for both the infant and the parents. Our newborn care service provides thorough paediatric assessment in the early days after birth, ensuring your baby is healthy, feeding well, and growing appropriately. We offer post-discharge newborn check-ups, breastfeeding support, jaundice screening, weight monitoring, and guidance on common newborn concerns such as skin care, cord care, and sleeping.

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Paediatrics

What to Expect

  • A comprehensive newborn physical examination within the first week of life
  • Weight check to ensure adequate feeding and weight gain after birth
  • Jaundice screening with transcutaneous bilirubin measurement if indicated
  • Breastfeeding assessment and practical support from trained staff
  • Umbilical cord care guidance and skin care advice
  • Discussion of newborn sleep safety, including safe sleeping position and environment
Newborn Care
Areas Covered

Conditions We Treat

Routine post-birth newborn examination
Neonatal jaundice assessment and monitoring
Breastfeeding difficulties including poor latch and low supply concerns
Excessive weight loss in the first week
Neonatal skin conditions (erythema toxicum, milia, nappy rash)
Congenital hip screening (Barlow and Ortolani tests)
Undescended testes and other common newborn findings
Our Process

How It Works

1

Hospital or Early Visit

Dr Nel examines the baby at the hospital after birth or within the first few days of life at the practice.

2

Newborn Assessment

A full newborn examination is performed, checking heart, lungs, hips, reflexes, skin, fontanelles, and overall tone and wellbeing.

3

Feeding & Weight Check

Breastfeeding or formula feeding is assessed, the baby's weight is monitored, and practical feeding support is provided.

4

Parent Education & Follow-Up

New parents receive guidance on daily care, warning signs to watch for, and a schedule for subsequent well-baby visits and vaccinations.

Benefits

Why Choose This Service

Early detection of any medical concerns in the critical neonatal period
Reassurance and practical guidance for new parents during an overwhelming time
Breastfeeding support to establish successful feeding early on
Continuity — Dr Nel checks your newborn and continues their care through childhood
Convenient practice-based or hospital-based newborn assessments
FAQ

Common Questions About Newborn Care

Ideally, your baby should be seen by Dr Nel within the first 2–3 days after hospital discharge or within the first week of life. If your baby was born at a hospital where Dr Nel practises, we will examine the baby before discharge.
Yes. It is normal for newborns to lose up to 7–10% of their birth weight in the first few days. Most babies regain their birth weight by 10–14 days. We monitor weight closely to ensure feeding is adequate and weight gain is on track.
Mild jaundice is common in newborns and usually resolves on its own. However, if the yellow colour appears within the first 24 hours, spreads to the arms and legs, or your baby is very sleepy and feeding poorly, seek assessment promptly. We offer jaundice screening with bilirubin measurement.
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Ready to Book Newborn Care?

Contact us today to schedule your appointment with Dr Nel.

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