Newborn Q&A How important is the check-up?
Sister Cynthia Yeko Unjani Clinic Orange Farm, The JOHNSON’S Baby Healthy Skin Project
Q: I don’t have transport and it is difficult for me to get to the clinic. I haven’t been sleeping much at all since my baby was born four weeks ago. So I want to ask: do I really have to take him for a check-up? What will they do with him there?
A: Sister Cynthia answers: Since your baby is now four weeks old you must make means to try and take the baby and yourself to the clinic for the six-week check-up.
This will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about anything you are not sure of and get professional advice. The check-up will be for both of you which will include (but not be limited to) the following: • You’ll be weighed; • Your baby’s immunisation will be given; • Your urine will be tested to make sure your kidneys are working as they should and that you haven’t got an infection;
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You’ll have your blood pressure taken;
• If you had stitches during your baby’s birth, either vaginally or following a C-section, these may be examined to check they’ve healed;
• They’ll talk to you about booking a smear test if you haven’t had one in the last three years; • If you aren’t immune to rubella and you weren’t given an immunisation after your baby’s birth, you will be offered one; • You’ll be asked if you’ve had a period since your baby’s birth and if you’re having a vaginal discharge; • Your emotional well-being will be evaluated to exclude postpartum depression; and • You’ll be offered contraception options.