Newborn Care
Welcoming a baby home can be equally exciting and overwhelming. You may find yourself searching online more than ever in those first few months: How often should a newborn eat? When should you call the doctor if your baby has a fever? When do babies start sleeping through the night? From feeding to sleeping and everything in between, we’re here to help keep you and your little one healthy. We have created this page of newborn care resources, reviewed by medical experts, to help you navigate early days with your baby. We hope they help make these early days a little easier. You may also want to explore our postpartum care resources.
Newborn Care and Resources
Raising a human is a big job. Unfortunately, new parents are surrounded by lots of “perfect” images of parenthood, along with loads and loads of conflicting information. It is normal to feel exhausted and to have days where parenthood doesn’t feel like whole lot of fun. In many cases, this is a normal response to a huge lifestyle change. However, if you or your partner are feeling excessively down, or are having difficulty caring for yourself or your baby, our team of medical experts is here to help.
There will also be moments of wonder, the miracle of watching a new life unfold, and funny memories. Cherish these moments. And remember, we are your partner in caring for your child, always there to answer questions, and help you along this amazing journey.
Newborn Vaccine Schedule
Your baby may have received a Hepatitis B vaccine in the hospital; the next set of immunizations is due at two months of age. Immunizations are an important way to protect your baby; the vaccine schedule recommended by the CDC has been carefully studied for safety and effectiveness. If you have specific questions about immunizations or our immunization schedule, please ask your provider.
NICU Babies
Specialized care for your baby
Babies go to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) if they're born prematurely, have difficulties during delivery or show signs of a problem in their first days of life. UnityPoint Health's Neonatal Intensive Care Units offer equipment designed specifically for infants with staff specially trained in newborn care and conditions with 24/7 in-hospital coverage.
Breastfeeding Services
Expert help for feeding your newborn
The decision to breastfeed is a personal one. Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for you and your baby and is a natural way to bond. Our qualified lactation services staff provide extensive breastfeeding education and support. The services below vary depending on your location.
Pediatric Appointments
Keeping your baby healthy
Visits in the first few days depend on your baby’s needs. The hospital provider will let you know when to go in for your first visit once you're discharged. Your baby will have a visit at two weeks of age, and if all is well, your next visit is at two months. Typically, your baby is at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months in the first year of life.
Caring For Your Sick Baby
It's not uncommon for babies to get sick. Their bodies are seeing these viruses for the first time, so it may take longer for an infant to recover compared to an older child or adult. Whether your baby is bringing home bugs from daycare or suffering from a tough diaper rash, there are things you can do to keep little ones more comfortable.
Signs of illness may be subtle in a newborn. Please do not hesitate to call your provider if you have a concern. Symptoms of illness may include fever, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding or inconsolable fussiness. If you are concerned that your baby looks blue, or there is a concern about your baby’s breathing, call your provider or seek emergency services if symptoms are severe.
Keep reading to learn more about how to care for a sick baby and when to see a doctor.
Breastfeeding Help and Resources