ANSWERS
TO YOUR QUESTIONS
Should I breastfeed?
The benefits of breastfeeding your baby are significant and well-documented. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma, diabetes, obesity, and ear or respiratory infections. Breast milk is also easier for babies to digest, and is rich in nutrients and antibodies that protect your child's immune system. As such, Springville Pediatrics strongly supports breastfeeding. We recognize, however, that it is a personal decision, and we will offer support and guidance regardless of which feeding method you choose.
What should I do before the baby arrives?
It is important that parents, grandparents and other caregivers make sure their immunizations are up to date. Specifically, the TDAP vaccine, which protects against diptheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) and the flu vaccine should be up to date. Each of these diseases can be very serious or even fatal for a newborn, and are easily spread by human contact with an infected person. Ask your primary care physician or obstetrician for more information.
How do I arrange pediatric care?
Please notify the hospital where your child is born that Springville Pediatrics will be caring for your child. Call us within 1 to 3 days after you and your baby have been discharged from the hospital; we will ask questions about your baby, address your concerns, and set up the baby's first office visit.
How often does my baby need to be seen?
Your baby should be seen within 2-7 days after your hospital discharge. At that point, the baby will be assessed for overall health, your concerns will be addressed and he will receive his first immunizations according to our immunization schedule.
After the initial visit, we recommend the following visitation schedule for the first year of life:
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2-4 weeks of age
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2 months old
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4 months old
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6 months old
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9 months old
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12 months old
Please refer to our well child care page for a complete visitation schedule.
What occurs at a normal office visit?
During Well Visits, we monitor your child's growth and development, provide guidance, and advise following the recommended immunization schedule. We follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Immunizations prevent serious and potentially fatal infections. See our immunization schedule for more information.
adopting or fostering
Springville Pediatrics is honored to be your choice for pediatric care for adopted and foster children. While the high level of care is the same as for biological children, occasionally an adopted or foster child can have special needs or require early intervention to make the transition into your family a smooth one.
Springville Pediatrics is experienced with these unique joys and challenges, and will work directly with you to bring you the highest quality medical care available in Western New York.
