§         Upon discharge from the hospital you will be advised when to make your first pediatric office appointment. It is advised that a newborn be seen within 3-4 days of discharge depending on whether the infant is full-term, premature, or has complications like jaundice or a heart murmur.

§         During the time period the mother will be establishing breast-feeding or bottle feeding practices. The umbilical cord will be drying and, in males, the circumcision will be healing if one has been performed.

§         Several points to note:

·         Newborns sneeze and hiccup a lot - this is normal

·         Newborns can have irregular breathing – fast and then slow

·         The skin will peel – do not apply any creams, lotions or moisturizers