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Your first visit to the pediatrician’s office after having your baby should occur between 3-5 days after discharge from the hospital, or sooner if your pediatrician feels it is necessary. This visit is not automatically scheduled. You must call (318-212-3930) to schedule your baby’s visit according to your pediatrician’s instructions.
Please arrive for your first appointment twenty minutes early to complete paperwork at check-in. You can also save time by printing out the paperwork prior to your appointment by clicking here. Please be sure to bring an insurance card or insurance information for the baby.
Shortly after completing the check-in process, you will go to an exam room where you will be asked to undress the baby (remove everything except the diaper). This is so that accurate weight, length and head circumference measurements can be obtained. While we try to maintain a comfortable temperature in the clinic, be sure to bring a blanket to cover your baby, because the baby will remain unclothed for the rest of the visit so that the doctor can perform a comprehensive examination.
Be sure to ask us when you should return for your next appointment. You are welcome to stop by the front desk and make a return appointment or to call at a later time to schedule an appointment.
If you have any questions, comments or complaints about your visit, please ask to speak with a manager or call the office to speak with a manager between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.. We appreciate your business and welcome your comments!
0-4 Months: Breastfed babies should be put to the breast every 2 - 3 hours and should nurse approximately 15 - 20 minutes. Formula with Iron: mix one can of formula (13oz) with one can of water. The newborn should gradually increase the amount of formula he takes to one can of formula every 24 hours. At some feedings your baby may be hungrier than at others so the number of ounces will not be the same at each feeding. Never prop the bottle, and do not leave the baby alone to drink it. The baby does not benefit from the introduction of baby food before 4 months of age.
4 Months: Cereal may be started one time per day. Rice and barley cereals are best to start with. Do not use wheat cereals until after 6 months. Begin with 1/2 tablespoon of cereal mixed with 1 ounce of formula or breast milk. Mix the cereal and formula/breast milk and feed by spoon. Do not put cereal in bottles. If the baby has difficulty with spoon feeding, it is best to postpone further attempts for a week or two. Gradually increase feedings until the baby takes approximately 2 tablespoons 1 - 2 times a day.
4-5 Months: Start Stage 1 vegetables. Carrots, squash, and peas are best at first. Try just 1/2 tablespoonful at first then gradually increase. Do not add more than one new vegetable every 5 days. Offer baby foods when the infant is hungry and before feeding formula so he will be encouraged to try new food. Formula feedings can be decreased to 4 - 5 per day as baby foods are taken in larger quantities. The infant still needs to get one can of formula every 24 hours and will need this amount until he is 1 year of age.
5-6 Months: Start Stage 1 fruits such as applesauce, pears, peaches, and bananas. Feed only 1 new fruit every 3 - 5 days. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and gradually increase. Feed fruits from a spoon. Never mix fruit in a bottle. Do not use desserts such as cobblers and puddings.
6-8 Months: Start Stage 2 meats and mixed dinners. Feed only 1 new food every 3-5 days. Start weaning the child from the bottle by offering formula/ breast milk from a cup at the start of each meal when he is hungrier. Weaning should be completed by the time the child is 1 year of age.
9-12 Months: Formula may be replaced by whole milk at one year. Do not use skim milk. Adequately chopped table foods can be introduced as the child tolerates them. Remember not to add more than one new food at a time. Whole cooked eggs may be added as well as more finger foods, such as meat sticks and adequately chopped fruits and vegetables. Do not use cookies, chips, soda pop, or other “junk” foods.
Shot records can be picked-up or mailed 24 hours after they are requested. Simply call the office during office hours and request a copy of your child’s shot record. Shot records will not be faxed, only mailed to the parent or picked-up by the parent.
Medical record requests can take up to 7 business days. We will transfer your records from doctor to doctor as a courtesy and at no fee to the patient, however there is a charge if the parent requests a personal copy.
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