Choosing a doctor
Newborn screening tests
Newborn vaccinations and medications
Vaccination schedule
Important phone numbers
When to call the physician
Choosing a doctor for your baby
It is important to select a doctor for your baby. If you do not already have one, you can call Providence Physician Referral Service at 503-574-6595. Staff at the referral service can help you choose a doctor who is conveniently located, accepts your health insurance and respects your philosophy on family issues.
Newborn screening tests
Metabolic screening:
Soon after your baby is born, a nurse will draw a few drops of blood for a test required by state law for all newborns. The blood draw is simple and safe for your baby. The test looks for a number of rare diseases that can cause brain damage or other serious complications if not treated shortly after birth. When these diseases are quickly discovered and treated, most problems can be prevented.
Hearing test:
The state of Oregon requires that all newborns be given a hearing test soon after birth. The test measures your baby's hearing in response to a series of clicks. Results are available immediately. if the screening indicates that your baby should undergo further testing, the nurse will talk with you and give you instructions.
Newborn vaccinations and medications
While in the hospital, your baby will receive some essential medications and vaccinations. These are given routinely, but it is a good idea to make sure your baby receives the following:
- Hepatitis B vaccination - Hepatitis B can cause serious liver damage. Your baby will receive the first of three hepatitis B vaccinations while in the hospital.
- Vitamin K injections - State law requires that all newborns receive a dose of vitamin K, which is essential to blood clotting. Some babies do not have enough vitamin K and, as a result, could develop abnormal bleeding if not given the vitamin at birth.
- Erythromycin eye ointment - To avoid the possibility of serious eye infection from multiple types of bacteria, erythromycin ointment is placed in your newborn's eyes within a few hours of birth.
Vaccination schedule
Vaccines prevent serious diseases by helping your baby build defenses. Most babies and children have only mild reactions to vaccines, which can include slight fever and soreness. You can find the most current vaccination schedule at www.cdc.gov or from your baby's doctor. The doctor's recommendations may vary according to what he or she thinks is best for your child. You may also want to check with your health insurance company to see what it covers.
Important Phone Numbers
Providence Resource Line: 503-574-6595
Family Maternity Centers
Providence Milwaukie Hospital: 503-513-8346
Providence Newberg Medical Center: 503-537-1555
Providence Portland Medical Center: 503-215-6150
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center: 503-216-7391
Breastfeeding Centers
Providence Milwaukie Hospital: 503-513-8346
Providence Newberg Medical Center: 503-537-1400
Providence Portland Medical Center: 503-215-6085
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center: 503-216-4033
Health and Lifestyle Classes: 503-574-6595
Other Information
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation: 914-428-7100
Baby Blues Connection: 503-797-2843
Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222
When to call the physician
- Anytime you feel something is not right with your baby. You know your baby better than anyone else does.
- Temperature less than 97 or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or any fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Refusal to eat for more than five or six hours
- No wet diapers for 12 hours or less than four wet diapers a day
- Black stools after fifth day of life
- Blood in stools
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Persistent vomiting (not just spitting up): projectile vomiting, green vomit, swollen tummy
- Listlessness
- Irritability or apparent pain
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing
- Swollen, red, draining or foul-smelling umbilical cord
- Jaundice (yellow skin, yellow eyes)
- Persistent coughing
- Blue skin color
- Signs of ear infection: fever, irritability, pulling at ears
- White patches in mouth (thrush)
- Diaper rash that looks very red, raw or has white patches
- Swollen or red eyes, excessive tearing or discharge
- Any injury or fall
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