Baby’s First Village is a five-part series connecting parents, doulas, and pediatric care, written by pediatrician Marion Pierson, M.D., FAAP, founder of Elite Care Pediatrics, in collaboration with Kansas City Newborn Care. This is Blog #1.
There is a phrase I would love every new parent to become comfortable saying: “I noticed something.”
You don’t have to know what it means. You don’t have to diagnose it. And you certainly don’t have to wait until you are positive about what that “something” is before calling your pediatrician. Sometimes you simply notice that your baby is different.
One of the wonderful things about having a postpartum doula or newborn care professional in your home is having another experienced set of eyes there with you. Your pediatrician sees your baby at some very important moments, but your doula sees something different: your baby living everyday life at home.
That distinction is exactly why I believe newborn professionals and pediatricians can work so beautifully together.
Your Doula Sees the In-Between Moments
Think about how much happens between pediatric appointments.
There are dozens of feedings. Diapers change. Sleep patterns evolve. Your baby’s skin changes. The umbilical cord changes. Some babies become more alert; others have sleepy days. There are hiccups, sneezes, spit-ups, cries and all sorts of interesting newborn sounds. Most are perfectly normal.
Your doula has an opportunity to see those patterns unfold. That does not make your doula responsible for diagnosing medical conditions. Instead, your doula can help you observe your baby, support you as you learn your baby’s cues, and encourage you to contact your pediatrician when something may need medical attention.
What Your Doula May Notice
Sometimes the most important observations aren’t dramatic. Your doula, or you, may notice:
- Your baby isn’t waking or feeding as well as before.
- Feedings suddenly take much longer or seem more challenging to get through.
- There are fewer wet diapers.
- Your baby’s color looks different.
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, appears or seems to be increasing.
- Your baby seems unusually irritable or difficult to console.
- Breathing looks or sounds different.
- Vomiting is becoming more frequent or forceful.
- A rash is changing.
- Something about your baby’s behavior simply seems concerning to you.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
I tell families something very simple and genuine: I’d rather you call and discover that everything is okay than sit at home worrying because you weren’t sure whether your concern needed further evaluation.
Some situations require prompt medical attention. A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby younger than 3 months requires prompt medical evaluation. Difficulty breathing, blue or gray coloration, significant difficulty waking, seizures, signs of severe dehydration, or a baby who appears seriously ill also require urgent medical attention.
Other concerns may begin with a call to your pediatrician, who can help determine the appropriate next step.
Sometimes my answer is, “That sounds normal. Here’s what I want you to watch.” Sometimes it’s, “Send me a picture.” Sometimes it’s, “I’d like to examine the baby.” And sometimes it’s, “I want your baby evaluated right away.” You don’t have to make those decisions by yourself. Your child’s physician can help.
The Bridge Between Home and Medical Care
This is where I see such a natural partnership between pediatric care and doula care.
Doulas can provide the eyes, ears, experience, and hands-on support in the home. Pediatricians provide medical guidance, physician-level assessment, diagnosis, and treatment when needed.
And parents remain at the center of both.
Having an attentive and present village helps shorten the distance between “I noticed something.” and “Does my baby need medical attention?”
Sometimes that distance is simply a phone call. You are not alone.
Be(e) well,
Marion Pierson, M.D., FAAP
Pediatrician and Founder, Elite Care Pediatrics
Mother, Wife, Friend, Pediatrician, Beekeeper
About This Series
Baby’s First Village is a collaboration between Elite Care Pediatrics and Kansas City Newborn Care. At Kansas City Newborn Care, our newborn care specialists and postpartum doulas are that extra set of experienced eyes in your home: certified, vetted, and pediatrician supported. If your family could use overnight or daytime newborn support, book a free consultation and we will build a plan around your family.