The first appointment for newborns typically occurs within one to three days post-discharge. This visit focuses on the transition from hospital to home for both mother and baby. The healthcare team will engage in discussions about the baby's well-being, with particular attention to feeding, urination, stooling, and general behaviour.
During the visit, the baby will be weighed, ideally without clothes and diaper, undergo a physical examination and have their nutritional status assessed. A non-invasive test may be performed to measure the jaundice levels (transcutaneous bilirubin) and additional blood tests may be conducted for selected babies.
The visit also includes providing parents with guidance on baby care and scheduling follow-up visits as necessary.
