Janell Vinson, MD, OB/GYN with Baptist Health Pediatric Clinic-Conway
Your pediatrician should be a partner in your journey of raising a healthy and happy child. That’s exactly what Dr. Vinson is – a partner. From fevers to tantrums to rashes, she’s seen it all and is here to make her patient’s pediatric checkups and appointments run smoothly.
Being a mother of four herself, Dr. Vinson knows how important it is to be a prepared parent.
She says, “Most first-time parents are so conscientious, they’ll write everything down and come in for their two-week checkup with a notebook filled with notes.” Jokingly, she pointed out that seasoned parents sometimes slack off a little in this department.
Whether you’re a first-time mom or a pro at parenting, every child is different, and will develop differently.
Here are Dr. Vinson’s answers to some frequently asked questions about newborns:
My baby lost a lot of weight a few days after delivery, should I be worried?
No, not necessarily. It’s common for babies to lose about 7-10% of their birth weight immediately after birth, due to a loss of fluids. Most babies regain that weight 1-2 weeks after birth. This is why it’s important to keep up with scheduled pediatric checkups so that your pediatrician can weigh your baby and monitor growth and development.
When will my baby start sleeping through the night?
Honestly? Maybe they’ll sleep through the night tomorrow. Maybe 10 years from now! Just kidding, but every baby is unique. Some children take longer than others to regulate their sleep schedules. You can talk to your pediatrician about some ideas to help your baby fall into a healthy sleep routine.
How often should I bring my baby to the doctor?
Most pediatricians will tell you at the first pediatric appointment how often they would like to see your baby. This schedule is determined by the vaccines that your baby will be given as well as a need to check on their growth and development. Generally, pediatricians will schedule appointments 2 weeks after birth, 1 month after birth, at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. After this point, a yearly appointment is usually recommended.
My baby won’t latch onto my breast, what am I doing wrong?
Breastfeeding is difficult sometimes. I usually monitor a baby’s weight to see if their development is on track. If you are very concerned that your baby isn’t getting the appropriate amount of nutrition, it may be time to see a lactation consultant from Expressly For You.
It’s not all about the baby, though. Sometimes, the early checkups after birth are about mom, too. With signs of postpartum depression, baby blues or if a mom that needs a little extra support, we address their concerns and answer questions or talk to them about a referral to an obstetrician that can help them through this time.
Request an appointment with a Baptist Health pediatrician today and find a pediatrician who is a partner.