Newborn Care

The brain grows faster in a baby’s first three years than in any other time in life, so fostering healthy development during these early years is particularly important. At Southside Pediatric Center, board-certified pediatrician Mary Catherine Arrieta, MD, CGP, provides exemplary newborn care in the Petersburg, Virginia, area to help your child get off to the right start. Book your child’s first appointment online or call the office for help now. 

What is newborn care?

Newborn care is medical care for new babies. Starting as soon as your baby enters the world, they need consistent newborn care to become a happy and healthy child. Southside Pediatric Center offers newborn care for infants and continues that consistently excellent care throughout childhood. 

When should my child get newborn care?

Your baby’s first newborn care visit occurs at around 3-5 days old (a couple of days after you come home from the hospital). Following that initial visit, you’ll bring your baby to Southside Pediatric Center at regular intervals, including: 

• 10-days (initial check)(
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 2 years old
• then yearly thereafter

Sick visits, sports physicals, and other specific needs are exceptions you can schedule anytime.

What happens during my child’s newborn care visits?

During newborn care visits, Dr. Arrieta monitors your child’s growth and development in several ways, including:

• Gentle physical exam
• Routine measurements
• Routine testing
• Health and development screening of height, weight and head circumference, and behavioral screenings

Your child usually gets their very first immunizations just after birth at delivery, but Dr. Arrieta administers a variety of other protective immunizations such as diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), haemophilus influenzae (Hib), polio, and hepatitis B during their early newborn care visits.

Does newborn care cover health and developmental problems?

Newborn care covers the full spectrum of health and wellness. Dr. Arrieta carefully evaluates your baby at every visit, but you’re the one who knows your baby the best. 

If you notice symptoms or signs that concern you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Southside Pediatric Center to schedule a visit with Dr. Arrieta. She can supportively and respectfully discuss your concerns and look for potential issues. 

Your baby’s always in the best hands with Dr. Arrieta’s loving care. If she discovers problems or concerns, she immediately develops a plan to address issues.

As soon as you deliver or bring your baby home, set up their first newborn care visit at Southside Pediatric Center. Click on the provided online scheduling feature, or book your appointment by calling the office today.