Health & Wellness

Colorado Health & Wellness | 2015 Summer & Fall Edition

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ENJOYING BABY'S FIRST YEAR ADVANCED PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES PROVIDES A TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR NEW PARENTS www.AdvancedPediatricAssociates.com • Patient Care Line 303-699-6200 8 "Things can get pretty hectic during the final weeks of pregnancy and the first few weeks after a baby is born," says Dr. Danielle Clancy of APA's Centennial office. "A little planning goes a long way in easing the transition into parenthood." Some things to consider before baby arrives: Who will baby's doctor be? APA offers complimentary "meet-the-doctor" visits and office tours to expectant parents. Within 24 hours of birth, an APA pediatrician will examine baby in the hospital (at hospitals where APA physicians are on staff) and answer any questions new parents might have. (Babies delivered at other hospitals will be examined by a hospital pediatrician and then scheduled for an extended first office visit.) Will mom breastfeed? Learning a little about breastfeeding before birth helps a new mom know what to expect. "Our website provides helpful information on breastfeeding, as well as a list of recommended books, for expectant moms who want to learn more," says Clancy. What vaccinations should family and caregivers receive? "Babies immune systems are not well developed at birth, so it's important to keep everyone around them healthy," reminds Clancy. This means parents, siblings and caregivers should be up-to-date on important immunizations, including pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza (flu). Both of these vaccines are considered safe during pregnancy and recommended for expectant mothers in order to protect baby both before and after birth. F rom the moment parents first find they are expecting a baby they enter a whole new world. Many questions accompany their joy, as the responsibilities that come with welcoming a new life unfold. At Advanced Pediatric Associates (APA), the staff understands how new parents feel and makes supporting them through this pivotal journey a priority. They offer expert advice on everything from breastfeeding to child development and urge new parents to forge a partnership with them as their baby's due date approaches. Supported with pediatric care they trust, new moms and dads can focus on the magical milestones of baby's first year—from that heart-melting first smile to those triumphant first steps. Advanced Pediatrics recommends newborns be seen for a first office visit within three days of coming home from the hospital. Early office visits are crucial for both baby and parents, who can often feel overwhelmed the first days at home. "I assure new parents that there is a learning curve and that there are numerous ways to raise a new baby," says Dr. Jill Kramer of the Parker office. "And I let parents know they can contact us at any time with questions. That is why we're here." During that first office visit, APA physicians want to make sure baby is adjusting well to life outside of the womb and perform a thorough physical exam. Babies often lose weight during the first days of life and jaundice (yellow color of skin and eyes due to too much bilirubin) may develop after the first 24 hours. It is important for baby to be carefully monitored until weight gain is established and any jaundice has cleared, so follow-up visits may be recommended during the first few weeks. The first office visit also provides an opportunity for new parents to ask any questions they may have about caring for their newborn. New parents often have questions about breastfeeding, how often a newborn should eat and sleep, and whether symptoms such as hiccups, breathing patterns and changes in bowel habits are normal. "In addition to examining baby, we can help provide reassurance and peace of mind for new parents as they learn to care for their newborn," offers Kramer. FIRST OFFICE VISIT PREPARING FOR BABY Dr. Bird Gilmar t in, A PA Aurora

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