Choosing whether to circumcise your child is a personal decision for your family. While our practice does not perform circumcisions, we support your choice and can provide guidance on aftercare. Your obstetrician can perform the procedure in the hospital before discharge, or a mohel can perform the procedure for religious ceremonies.

For proper care following circumcision, apply petroleum jelly to the tip of the penis with each diaper change and cover with a clean gauze pad until healing is complete. Changing diapers frequently helps keep the area clean and promotes healing.

If you notice any bleeding, unusual swelling, purulent drainage, or if your baby has difficulty urinating, seek immediate medical attention. Our staff is available to answer general questions about circumcision care during your baby’s regular check-ups.

Fever management requires special attention with newborns and infants. For any infant under three months of age with a rectal temperature of 100.3°F or higher, or below 97.5°F, please contact our office immediately. Temperature fluctuations in very young babies can indicate issues requiring prompt medical evaluation.

We also recommend calling our office if your child’s fever has persisted longer than three days, regardless of age. Other concerning signs that warrant contacting us include if your child cannot be comforted, is irritable and cries inconsolably, has difficulty breathing, appears lethargic, is not feeding well, or experiences a convulsion. These symptoms, especially when accompanied by fever, require timely medical assessment to ensure your baby’s wellbeing and proper treatment if necessary.

Understanding your baby’s sleep needs can help establish healthy routines for the whole family. Newborns up to eight weeks typically sleep a total of 16-18 hours per day, though rarely for long stretches, with approximately 1-3 nightly feedings being normal and necessary.

As your baby grows from eight weeks to six months, their sleep patterns begin to mature. During this period, they generally sleep a total of 14-16 hours per day, with about 6-8 hours occurring at night as their circadian rhythms develop. From six months to twelve months of age, babies continue needing 14-16 hours of sleep daily, but night sleep typically extends to 10-12 hours as they require fewer night feedings.

Creating a conducive sleep environment significantly impacts your baby’s ability to fall and stay asleep. Maintain a dark, quiet, and comfortably cool room for optimal sleep conditions. Establishing consistent routines helps signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep—aim for regular waking times, consistent nap lengths, and a predictable bedtime each day.

Your bedtime routine should be calming and consistent. Avoid frightening TV programs or stories and minimize vigorous physical activities at least an hour before bedtime. A soothing routine might include a warm bath, gentle story time, and quiet cuddles. Many babies also benefit from transitional objects like a favorite blanket or soft toy (for older infants) that provide comfort and security. These consistent approaches to sleep help your baby develop healthy sleep associations that can last through childhood.

Breastfeeding is a natural process that sometimes requires professional guidance and support. For mothers who choose to breastfeed, we’re pleased to recommend Wonderlove Lactation, LLC, which offers comprehensive services and support tailored to the needs of breastfeeding mothers.

Their certified lactation consultants can assist with common challenges such as latch difficulties, milk supply concerns, pumping strategies, and developing feeding plans that work for both mother and baby. Whether you’re a first-time mother or have previous breastfeeding experience, professional lactation support can make your journey more comfortable and successful.

For appointments, consultations, or more information about their services, you can contact Wonderlove Lactation, LLC directly by calling 404-449-5595. Their website also provides valuable resources, scheduling options, and details about both in-person and virtual consultation services. The dedicated team at Wonderlove Lactation is committed to helping you achieve your breastfeeding goals with personalized care and evidence-based practices.

Creating a safe sleep environment is essential for reducing the risk of sleep-related infant deaths. We recommend that all infants should be placed on their backs when put down to sleep until at least twelve months of age, following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ “Back to Sleep” guidance.

Selecting appropriate sleep furniture is crucial for your baby’s safety. Use a crib that meets current federal safety standards with a firm mattress that prevents your child from sinking into the surface. Proper fit is equally important—ensure the mattress fits snugly against the crib with no more than a two-finger space between the mattress and crib sides to prevent dangerous gaps where an infant could become trapped.

Several common nursery items can create hazards in the sleep environment. Avoid using crib bumpers, as an infant’s head can become wedged between the bumper and mattress, creating a suffocation risk. Keep the crib free of stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, and other soft objects that could obstruct your baby’s breathing.

Never place your infant to sleep on soft, yielding surfaces such as comforters, pillows, beanbag cushions, or sheepskins, as these increase the risk of suffocation. Adult waterbeds are particularly dangerous for infant sleep due to their soft, unstable surface and should never be used for baby’s sleep. These precautions, while sometimes seeming restrictive, have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant fatalities.

Preparing your home for your newborn’s arrival ensures you have essential items on hand during those first precious days and weeks. Having key supplies readily available will help you feel more confident and prepared as you adjust to caring for your new baby.

When returning home from the hospital after delivery, we recommend having several fundamental items prepared. A reliable digital thermometer is essential for monitoring your baby’s temperature when needed. For bathing, a dedicated infant tub basin provides safe support during bath time until your baby can sit unassisted.

Personal care items should include petroleum jelly (particularly useful for circumcision care or preventing diaper rash), a sufficient supply of newborn-sized diapers, and a gentle hypoallergenic body wash specifically formulated for infant skin. For feeding, whether you’re breast or formula feeding, having a few bottles with appropriate nipples is advisable for flexibility.

Other practical healthcare items include a bulb syringe for gently clearing nasal passages when congested, rubbing alcohol for umbilical cord care (if recommended by your healthcare provider), and cotton swabs (Q-tips) for targeted cleaning around the umbilical area or other delicate spots.

Perhaps most importantly, an infant car seat that meets current safety standards is absolutely essential and legally required before you can leave the hospital. The car seat should be properly installed before your baby’s birth, as you’ll need it for that very first journey home.

These basic supplies will help you manage your newborn’s fundamental needs during the initial adjustment period at home. As you become more familiar with your baby’s specific requirements, you may find additional items that prove useful for your unique situation.

Proper care of your newborn’s umbilical cord stump helps prevent infection and promotes normal healing. The umbilical cord typically separates and falls off naturally within 7-10 days after birth, though this timeframe can vary slightly from baby to baby.

During this healing period, keeping the umbilical area clean and dry is essential. Clean around the stump with rubbing alcohol using a cotton swab or ball three to four times daily, or with each diaper change. This gentle cleaning helps prevent infection while the cord dries and separates. Fortunately, the umbilicus doesn’t contain nerve endings, so this cleaning process won’t cause your baby any discomfort.

While the cord is healing, certain precautions help promote proper drying. Refrain from giving your baby full immersion tub baths until the cord has completely fallen off; sponge baths are recommended during this time. When diapering, fold the top edge of the diaper down below your baby’s navel to keep urine away from the stump and to allow air circulation, which aids the drying process.

Monitor the umbilical area closely during the healing process. Some slight bleeding may occur when the cord detaches, which is normal. However, please contact your healthcare provider if you notice any concerning signs such as redness around the base of the cord, foul odor, yellowish or purulent (pus-like) drainage, or if the surrounding skin appears swollen or tender. These could indicate an infection requiring prompt medical attention.

Once the cord has fallen off, you may notice a small raw spot that will heal within a few days. At this point, you can begin regular bathing and normal diapering.