Read more for how we are updating our office in response to COVID-19.
All newborns should be seen by a pediatric healthcare provider shortly after hospital discharge (3 to 5 days of age). Every effort should be made to conduct newborn follow-up visits in person, even amongst Covid-19. This is important to be able to evaluate for dehydration and jaundice in the baby as well as postpartum depression in the mother.
Educate parents on what the possible signs of Covid-19 are in neonates. These include: fever, lethargy, rhinorrhea, cough, tachypnea, increased work of breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and feeding intolerance or decreased intake.
Healthcare providers are also encouraged to prioritize vaccination of infants and young children (through 24 months of age) to prevent an increased risk of disease. Older children, unless behind on their vaccines, may postpone visits.
Alternative approaches, such as telemedicine, may be considered when providing lactation support services or for non-urgent questions by the parents.
To help ensure the clinic setting is as safe as possible, providers should implement the following practices:
Additionally, pediatric providers may wish to contact patients ahead of time to complete as much of the H&P as possible to reduce the amount of time the patient spends in the clinic.
*Information is taken from the CDC and Harvard Health Publishing*
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Read more for how we are updating our office in response to COVID-19.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Read more for what steps you can take to protect yourself.
Your baby's skin is constantly changing and growing. Odd changes can be normal but it is important to pay attention to the changes and know what to look for.
Evidence so far is that children rarely spread Covid-19. Children get it from symptomatic or pre-symptomatic adults (in the first 48hrs before they become symptomatic).
Babies are born with wrinkly skin and a protective covering called vernix that naturally peels off during the first week. There's no need to rush it, rub it, or treat it with lotions or creams.
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is common in infants but does not appear until four or five months of age, and sometimes much later.