Bringing your newborn home can feel overwhelming. MaineHealth is here to help.
What is newborn care?
Newborns need extra-special care that older babies do not. Quality newborn care helps make sure that newborns are safe, healthy and growing appropriately both physically and developmentally.
Choose a pediatrician before your baby is born
Babies need frequent check-ups after they are born. This helps keep track of their growth and health. Finding the right pediatrician is key to giving your baby the best care possible. Consider the following while choosing a pediatrician for your baby:
- Accepted insurances and billing process
- Availability
- Location
- Qualifications
Visit the MaineHealth provider directory to find a pediatric provider.
Newborns need special care
Be sure to wash your hands before touching your newborn to prevent the spread of germs. Adjusting to a newborn takes time and effort from everyone in the family. Ask for help and accept help when it is offered. Ask your hospital about home health nurses who may be available to help you adjust from the hospital to your home. Parents should look for certain things to be sure their baby is not sick. Take notice of:
- Belly button or circumcision infection
- Breathing changes
- Dehydration
- Poor sucking or swallowing
- Temperature changes, especially fever
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
Do not hesitate to call your pediatrician if you notice any of these in your newborn.
