WHAT IS A NEWBORN SPECIALIST?

The position of newborn specialist is a role unique to the practice of East Cobb Pediatrics. Because all new parents have many concerns and questions, East Cobb Pediatrics employs specialists who have the knowledge and time necessary to address these issues. The newborn specialist is a nurse practitioner who is also a board certified lactation consultant. Each of our specialists has been a lactation consultant for over 15 years and a pediatric nurse for over 25 years. Our practice has two specialists, one at each of our locations (East Cobb in Marietta and Shiloh in Kennesaw).

The newborn specialist sees all babies (breast or bottle-fed) in the office within one week after discharge from the hospital. We spend one hour with each family. At that time, we check the baby’s weight, do a complete physical examination, and observe a feeding. We also offer advice relating to lactation, bottle-feeding, safety, sleeping, bathing, cord care, circumcision care, and even sibling jealousy. We offer anticipatory guidance and will address any concerns parents have regarding their newborn baby.

Our specialties are slow growing infants, fussy babies, and mothers having breastfeeding difficulties. These families may come back for follow-up as often as needed. We usually follow these babies until they are one month old. Our practice offers this unique service in hopes of making the transition through the first months as new parents easier and less stressful at a very demanding time.