Dr. Anet Pargas answers all the questions that new moms need to know about their first post-birth appointment.
Learn more about BayCare's children's health services
Selected Podcast
Post-Birth Appointment Q&A
Featured Speaker:
Learn more about Anet Pargas, MD
Anet Pargas, MD
Dr. Anet Pargas is a board certified pediatric physician in Lutz, Florida. She completed her undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida in Tampa. Dr. Pargas then followed that up with a pediatric residency at the University of South Florida. Dr. Pargas’ extensive knowledge base and exceptional clinical experience in pediatrics, ensures that children receive the best quality care. She believes that it is much better to provide growing children with the optimal care they need to prevent diseases from happening, rather than waiting until a problem arises to treat it. She is passionate about working with children and forming bonds with them and their parents, with the goal of providing the best care possible to them and their families. She is also certified in basic life support and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Pargas is fluent in Spanish.Learn more about Anet Pargas, MD
Transcription:
Post-Birth Appointment Q&A
Introduction: Here's another edition of the BayCare Health Systems podcast, series Bay Care Health Chat with Melanie Cole.
Melanie Cole: When you're a new parent, it's so exciting, slightly terrifying, and really such a happy time. But you have so many questions for your pediatrician. When you have a newborn, you don't quite know what to ask. When you go to that first appointment. Well, here today, we're going to help fill you in on that. Welcome to BayCare Health Chat. I'm Melanie Cole, and today we're discussing the first appointment with your new pediatrician, post-birth appointment Q and A. Joining me is Dr. Anet Pargas. She's a Pediatrician with Bay Care, Dr. Pargas, thank you for being with us. As I said in the intro, it's such an exciting time and slightly terrifying. Tell us when the newborn follow-up appointment should take place. When do you first see those little guys?
Dr. Pargas: So we usually recommend that we have our first visit with your baby after they leave the hospital within two to three days, this is actually a recommendation that comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics. And the reason that we recommend following up so closely is that we know that in the first few days after you leave the hospital, there's going to be a lot of questions that might come up. And so we want to be there to help address those questions and help guide you. And we also know that babies have some unique health risks during that first couple of weeks, as they're transitioning and learning how to be outside of mommy's belly, there's a few things that we like to monitor for. One of the main things is making sure that they're learning how to eat well, and that we can address any concerns that parents can have in regards to breastfeeding or formula feeding. For example, babies in general, lose a few ounces after they're born a little bit of water weight.
And so we want to make sure that they're drinking enough to stay hydrated and put that weight back on a few other things that we monitor for are things like jaundice, making sure that they're not getting too yellow over discoloration. And we also want to watch for any signs of infections. And there's a few things also that we watch for that might not show up right after they're born. For example, there's some heart conditions that can show up with murmurs in the first couple of weeks. So we want to make sure that we get them in early so that we can look for those things.
Host: Well, thank you for all of that information. So at the hospital, when the baby's born, they get some tests, right? Do they get a vaccine at the hospital right away? So part of that first appointment is discussing what happened at the hospital?
Dr. Pargas: Yes, absolutely. We recommend that they get the hepatitis B vaccine. They also get injection of Vitamin K, and they have a few tests done as well, like a newborn screen where they take a little bit of blood from baby's heel. And that checks for a lot of different conditions, including genetic conditions. So we want to kind of discuss everything that happened in the hospital and make sure that baby got all of those things and discuss if baby got anything extra, like if they had to check baby's blood sugar for any reasons, or if baby had to get any light therapy for jaundice. So it's really important for us to get that information, that we can take the best care of babies that we can.
Host: Well, that is so important. And at that first appointment, what information do you want new parents to share with their pediatrician, medical history, any events during pregnancy, delivery, post-delivery any of these kinds of things? What would you like them to come prepared to tell you?
Dr. Pargas: One important area is knowing mom's medical history. So any health conditions that she might've had before she was pregnant, that she was being treated for. And then anything that she was diagnosed with during the pregnancy. Some common things are high blood pressure or diabetes. So we want to know if mom had to be treated for any of those, or if she had to take any special dietary precautions, any medications or supplements, or if there was anything in particular that her obstetrician was looking for with any special labs or ultrasounds. And it's also really important for us to know what happened during the time of delivery and afterwards, while mom and baby were in the hospital. So for example, if there was any change in the birthing plan, like an emergency C-section, or if mom developed any fevers or had to be treated for anything during the hospital stay, or if baby needed any extra help after they were born such as some oxygen to help them breathe.
Host: So when we're discussing all of these questions that we have with our pediatricians, and it can be a really confusing time for new parents, cause they're not sure how often babies should wake or feed or what their stools should look like, how often they should have their diaper changed. What do you review as far as all of the guidance and things that parents should know so that they don't get so scared every time, something in the baby cries for even two seconds.
Dr. Pargas: So there are no questions off limits. So, you know, we want parents to share any questions or concerns, cause that's what we're there for. But we also in the first few weeks, we provide a lot of guidance. One main areas is on feeding. So what to expect in terms of how often your baby should be eating strategies that you can use to hold them or burp them, what to look out for so that, you know, when they're hungry or when they're satisfied, different things to watch out for, with how often they should be pooping or peeing, how to take care of their umbilical cord until it falls off. We also can help guide parents on safety tips around the home, the best methods for baby to sleep safely. And we also review what to expect during the first year of life, in terms of baby's development, how often we'll be seeing them, what to expect in terms of their vaccine schedule. And it's also a good time to address any concerns that parents might have about upcoming vaccines.
Host: Well, then let's talk about that. When you hear parents ask you questions about upcoming vaccines, what do they ask you most often, Dr. Pargas, about the schedule, the vaccines they get in those first four months or so? What do you hear most often?
Dr. Pargas: So most often I get questions about the timing, like how often they'll be getting the vaccine. So what to expect in terms of how many vaccines they'll be getting at their visits, what to expect after they got their vaccines, what things to watch out for such as fevers. And then parents also want to know what kind of vaccines we're giving and why we're giving them, what diseases we're trying to prevent so that they can have a little bit more information about that as well. So we are able to answer all of those questions and also provide parents with any extra information that they may want. And with some reputable sources.
Host: What else Dr. Pargas, do parents ask you, we've talked a little bit about vaccines, safety and Jaundice, infections and feeding and safe sleeping. Is that something you discuss? Because that's really important car seat safety. There are so many things and really new parents, all we care about is safety. All we care about is keeping that child healthy so we can raise them. What do parents ask you most often as general questions kind of give us your best advice and your best summary.
Dr. Pargas: I do get asked a lot about what the best way to have babies sleep, to be able to sleep safely, where baby should be sleeping. It's okay to use bumpers or other things within the sleep environment. I get asked about the car seats and how they should be installed and how to watch out for when baby kind of grows out of them. Home safety tips too. They don't apply as much, right, when baby is born outside of maybe things like how to set your water heater, but as babies growing, we can provide a lot of guidance in terms of getting the home prepared for when they're mobile, so that they have a really safe environment.
Host: And do you have any best advice for new parents about not freaking out and not panicking and just enjoying that wonderful time with their new baby?
Dr. Pargas: Right. So just take a breath. It's a beautiful time. So take it in and know that you have lots of support around you, including your pediatrician. If you ever do have any questions or you are freaking out and not sure what to do, you can always call us, give you some guidance. I would say that's probably my best tip is to know that you're not alone and that you have people rooting for you and there to help you, and to just take it in and enjoy it.
Host: Great advice. Really good advice for new parents. Thank you so much, Dr. Pargas for joining us today. To learn more about Bay Care's Children's Health Services, please visit baycare.org. Please also remember to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and all the other Bay Care podcasts for more health tips, such as these, follow us on your social channels. I'm Melanie Cole.
Post-Birth Appointment Q&A
Introduction: Here's another edition of the BayCare Health Systems podcast, series Bay Care Health Chat with Melanie Cole.
Melanie Cole: When you're a new parent, it's so exciting, slightly terrifying, and really such a happy time. But you have so many questions for your pediatrician. When you have a newborn, you don't quite know what to ask. When you go to that first appointment. Well, here today, we're going to help fill you in on that. Welcome to BayCare Health Chat. I'm Melanie Cole, and today we're discussing the first appointment with your new pediatrician, post-birth appointment Q and A. Joining me is Dr. Anet Pargas. She's a Pediatrician with Bay Care, Dr. Pargas, thank you for being with us. As I said in the intro, it's such an exciting time and slightly terrifying. Tell us when the newborn follow-up appointment should take place. When do you first see those little guys?
Dr. Pargas: So we usually recommend that we have our first visit with your baby after they leave the hospital within two to three days, this is actually a recommendation that comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics. And the reason that we recommend following up so closely is that we know that in the first few days after you leave the hospital, there's going to be a lot of questions that might come up. And so we want to be there to help address those questions and help guide you. And we also know that babies have some unique health risks during that first couple of weeks, as they're transitioning and learning how to be outside of mommy's belly, there's a few things that we like to monitor for. One of the main things is making sure that they're learning how to eat well, and that we can address any concerns that parents can have in regards to breastfeeding or formula feeding. For example, babies in general, lose a few ounces after they're born a little bit of water weight.
And so we want to make sure that they're drinking enough to stay hydrated and put that weight back on a few other things that we monitor for are things like jaundice, making sure that they're not getting too yellow over discoloration. And we also want to watch for any signs of infections. And there's a few things also that we watch for that might not show up right after they're born. For example, there's some heart conditions that can show up with murmurs in the first couple of weeks. So we want to make sure that we get them in early so that we can look for those things.
Host: Well, thank you for all of that information. So at the hospital, when the baby's born, they get some tests, right? Do they get a vaccine at the hospital right away? So part of that first appointment is discussing what happened at the hospital?
Dr. Pargas: Yes, absolutely. We recommend that they get the hepatitis B vaccine. They also get injection of Vitamin K, and they have a few tests done as well, like a newborn screen where they take a little bit of blood from baby's heel. And that checks for a lot of different conditions, including genetic conditions. So we want to kind of discuss everything that happened in the hospital and make sure that baby got all of those things and discuss if baby got anything extra, like if they had to check baby's blood sugar for any reasons, or if baby had to get any light therapy for jaundice. So it's really important for us to get that information, that we can take the best care of babies that we can.
Host: Well, that is so important. And at that first appointment, what information do you want new parents to share with their pediatrician, medical history, any events during pregnancy, delivery, post-delivery any of these kinds of things? What would you like them to come prepared to tell you?
Dr. Pargas: One important area is knowing mom's medical history. So any health conditions that she might've had before she was pregnant, that she was being treated for. And then anything that she was diagnosed with during the pregnancy. Some common things are high blood pressure or diabetes. So we want to know if mom had to be treated for any of those, or if she had to take any special dietary precautions, any medications or supplements, or if there was anything in particular that her obstetrician was looking for with any special labs or ultrasounds. And it's also really important for us to know what happened during the time of delivery and afterwards, while mom and baby were in the hospital. So for example, if there was any change in the birthing plan, like an emergency C-section, or if mom developed any fevers or had to be treated for anything during the hospital stay, or if baby needed any extra help after they were born such as some oxygen to help them breathe.
Host: So when we're discussing all of these questions that we have with our pediatricians, and it can be a really confusing time for new parents, cause they're not sure how often babies should wake or feed or what their stools should look like, how often they should have their diaper changed. What do you review as far as all of the guidance and things that parents should know so that they don't get so scared every time, something in the baby cries for even two seconds.
Dr. Pargas: So there are no questions off limits. So, you know, we want parents to share any questions or concerns, cause that's what we're there for. But we also in the first few weeks, we provide a lot of guidance. One main areas is on feeding. So what to expect in terms of how often your baby should be eating strategies that you can use to hold them or burp them, what to look out for so that, you know, when they're hungry or when they're satisfied, different things to watch out for, with how often they should be pooping or peeing, how to take care of their umbilical cord until it falls off. We also can help guide parents on safety tips around the home, the best methods for baby to sleep safely. And we also review what to expect during the first year of life, in terms of baby's development, how often we'll be seeing them, what to expect in terms of their vaccine schedule. And it's also a good time to address any concerns that parents might have about upcoming vaccines.
Host: Well, then let's talk about that. When you hear parents ask you questions about upcoming vaccines, what do they ask you most often, Dr. Pargas, about the schedule, the vaccines they get in those first four months or so? What do you hear most often?
Dr. Pargas: So most often I get questions about the timing, like how often they'll be getting the vaccine. So what to expect in terms of how many vaccines they'll be getting at their visits, what to expect after they got their vaccines, what things to watch out for such as fevers. And then parents also want to know what kind of vaccines we're giving and why we're giving them, what diseases we're trying to prevent so that they can have a little bit more information about that as well. So we are able to answer all of those questions and also provide parents with any extra information that they may want. And with some reputable sources.
Host: What else Dr. Pargas, do parents ask you, we've talked a little bit about vaccines, safety and Jaundice, infections and feeding and safe sleeping. Is that something you discuss? Because that's really important car seat safety. There are so many things and really new parents, all we care about is safety. All we care about is keeping that child healthy so we can raise them. What do parents ask you most often as general questions kind of give us your best advice and your best summary.
Dr. Pargas: I do get asked a lot about what the best way to have babies sleep, to be able to sleep safely, where baby should be sleeping. It's okay to use bumpers or other things within the sleep environment. I get asked about the car seats and how they should be installed and how to watch out for when baby kind of grows out of them. Home safety tips too. They don't apply as much, right, when baby is born outside of maybe things like how to set your water heater, but as babies growing, we can provide a lot of guidance in terms of getting the home prepared for when they're mobile, so that they have a really safe environment.
Host: And do you have any best advice for new parents about not freaking out and not panicking and just enjoying that wonderful time with their new baby?
Dr. Pargas: Right. So just take a breath. It's a beautiful time. So take it in and know that you have lots of support around you, including your pediatrician. If you ever do have any questions or you are freaking out and not sure what to do, you can always call us, give you some guidance. I would say that's probably my best tip is to know that you're not alone and that you have people rooting for you and there to help you, and to just take it in and enjoy it.
Host: Great advice. Really good advice for new parents. Thank you so much, Dr. Pargas for joining us today. To learn more about Bay Care's Children's Health Services, please visit baycare.org. Please also remember to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and all the other Bay Care podcasts for more health tips, such as these, follow us on your social channels. I'm Melanie Cole.