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To put it simply, proper newborn care is essential because a newborn can’t do anything for themselves. A newborn is completely dependent on their caregiver for the first few months of life. Failure to care properly for a newborn during their first few months and beyond can result in some serious developmental consequences. Here are a few benefits of a properly cared for newborn:

Early treatment - Being in tune with your newborn and how they are developing is crucial. If a newborn is missing milestones, then you should see a pediatrician right away. The earlier an issue can be identified, the better chance there is to resolve it or get ahead of it. Some babies that are developmentally delayed are not getting enough to eat, so they have a tongue or lip tie. This can be fixed with a small surgery, so visit a pediatrician with any concerns you have about your baby.

On track development - A newborn requires a lot of time and energy to develop properly. Be sure to give your baby proper attention throughout the first year of life and beyond to help them reach the appropriate milestones on time. At your monthly visits to see a pediatrician, they will talk with you about your baby’s development to make sure they are doing well.

Healthy - The health of your newborn is completely contingent on how well the baby is fed. A baby must be fed formula or breastmilk often because it’s their only source of nutrients. Being fed enough will help them gain proper weight, which is directly tied to cognitive and physical development. Visit your pediatrician to get a recommendation for a lactation consultant if you need help getting your baby to latch or if you are worried that your baby is not getting enough milk.

It is not a requirement to see a lactation consultant after giving birth, but it is highly recommended for any mom who wants to try breastfeeding. Many people don’t realize just how much work goes into breastfeeding and pumping for a newborn. Our lactation consultants at Summit Pediatrics are available to help you every step of the way throughout your breastfeeding journey. Here are some benefits of reaching out to our lactation consultant:

Get questions answered - There are so many unknowns when you start breastfeeding a baby, even for moms who have breastfed before. Every child is unique, so certain techniques that worked for one child may not work for the next one. Our lactation consultants can answer any questions you have regarding breastfeeding and milk supply.

Voice any concerns you have about breastfeeding - Cracked bleeding nipples, uncomfortable latching, clogged milk ducts, discomfort while nursing are all obstacles that breastfeeding moms face. Our lactation consultants can help you work through any difficulties you’re facing while breastfeeding. Not all breastfeeding positions are comfortable, so they have several different breastfeeding positions for you to try.  

Milk supply - Your milk will not come in right away after having a baby, it usually takes about ten days. After that, your body will produce milk based on how frequently you pump or breastfeed your baby. Some moms have a strict schedule, while others breastfeed on demand because their schedules are more flexible. Either way, you should always offer both breasts to your baby, or pump both sides if you are pumping. This will keep both breasts producing a similar amount of milk. Our lactation consultants can answer any questions you have about what foods increase milk supply or anything else you need help with. If you are concerned about your baby’s latch, our location consultants can make sure your baby doesn’t have a lip or tongue tie because those can affect how well your baby latches.