What to Expect at Your Baby’s Six-Week Checkup: Key Insights for New Moms

The six-week baby checkup is a significant milestone for both new moms and their little ones. It marks a moment to reflect on your baby's development, address any concerns, and ensure that both you and your baby are thriving. In this article, we'll break down the most important takeaways from a six-week baby check, drawing from Dr. Gill's video where she walks a new mom, Bethany, through the process of her baby Felix’s checkup. We’ll explore what to expect, key points of discussion, and some common concerns new moms face at this stage of early parenthood.

1. General Overview and Birth Recap

One of the first things the doctor will ask about is the birth experience. This is an opportunity for you to share any complications, concerns, or reflections. In Bethany’s case, the birth went smoothly with no complications, a reassuring fact for new parents. If you experienced any challenges during delivery, this is a good time to bring them up, especially if you feel they might affect your baby’s health.

2. Breastfeeding and Feeding Issues

Dr. Gill spends time discussing feeding routines with Bethany. At six weeks, Felix is being exclusively breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding, your doctor may ask if you’ve encountered any issues such as difficulty latching, low milk supply, or infections like mastitis. Bethany mentions no current issues, but Dr. Gill reassures her that if she does run into any problems in the future, help is always available—whether through lactation consultants or medical advice.

Key advice for breastfeeding moms includes:

• Ensure your baby is feeding well and gaining weight.
• If any infections or discomfort arise, contact your healthcare provider.
• Avoid using cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or honey in your baby’s diet during the early months.

If you’ve switched to formula feeding, it’s important to use infant formula that meets your baby's nutritional needs. Your doctor will ensure that your baby’s growth is on track and may provide additional tips based on your feeding method.

3. Sleep Patterns and Safe Sleeping Practices

Sleep is one of the biggest concerns for new parents, and Dr. Gill takes time to ask about Felix’s sleeping habits. Bethany shares that Felix sleeps in a crib attached to their bed and wakes every 3.5 hours for a feeding. This routine is typical for a six-week-old baby, as most babies at this stage still need to wake during the night for nourishment.

Dr. Gill highlights the importance of safe sleeping practices:

• Avoid co-sleeping: While it might be tempting to let your baby sleep in your bed, co-sleeping increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It’s best to keep your baby in a separate crib or bassinet nearby.
• Pacifiers (dummies): Some research suggests that using a pacifier during sleep may reduce the risk of SIDS, a tip Dr. Gill offers when she notices Felix with a dummy.

4. Tracking Baby’s Development

At six weeks, your baby is starting to develop a range of new skills. Felix’s checkup includes a discussion of his developmental milestones, including his responsiveness to sounds, visual tracking, and social interactions such as smiling. Dr. Gill asks if Felix responds to loud noises, follows objects or people with his eyes, and whether he has started to smile. These are all positive signs of normal development.

As a parent, here are some key milestones to look for around the six-week mark:

• Smiling: While not all babies will smile by six weeks, many will start showing social smiles, which is an early sign of emotional connection.
• Babbling: Your baby might begin making cooing or babbling sounds, as Felix has started to do. This is the early foundation for language development.
• Following with their eyes: Babies are becoming more alert and may follow you or objects with their eyes, a great sign that their vision and attention span are developing.

5. Physical Examination: What to Expect

During the checkup, the doctor will perform a detailed physical exam of your baby, including checking their weight, growth, reflexes, and overall physical health. Felix undergoes a full body exam, including:

• Checking the spine, hips, and reflexes: Dr. Gill checks Felix's spine and hips for any abnormalities and ensures that his reflexes are normal.
• Listening to the heart and lungs: The doctor will listen to your baby’s heart and lungs to detect any abnormalities in breathing or heart rhythm.
• Examining the genitals and checking for hernias: It’s common for doctors to check for any issues in this area, such as undescended testicles in boys or signs of hernias.

At this stage, babies are often weighed and measured, and their head circumference is recorded to track growth. Felix weighs 5.8 kilos (about 12.8 lbs), which is within the healthy range for his age, and his head measures 39 cm.

6. Immunizations and Follow-Up

Dr. Gill reminds Bethany about the importance of immunizations, which are scheduled at about eight weeks. Immunizations help protect your baby from serious diseases, and your doctor will guide you through the necessary vaccinations and when they are due.

7. Emotional Wellbeing and Support for Moms

Lastly, it’s essential to remember that your mental and emotional health is just as important as your baby’s. Dr. Gill briefly touches on Bethany’s wellbeing, encouraging her to reach out if she has any concerns or feels overwhelmed. The first few weeks of motherhood can be emotionally and physically challenging, and it’s okay to ask for support, whether from your healthcare provider, family, or friends.

Conclusion

The six-week checkup is an important moment for both you and your baby. It allows your healthcare provider to ensure that your baby is developing well and gives you an opportunity to raise any concerns. Whether it’s about feeding, sleeping, or your own postpartum recovery, this visit is designed to provide you with support and guidance during these early days of motherhood.

Remember: Each baby is unique, and while some will hit certain milestones early, others may take a bit more time. If you ever feel unsure or concerned, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.

Legal Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. EarlyDaysMom.com is not responsible for the accuracy of the information presented. Always consult with a qualified medical professional, pediatrician, or expert before making any decisions based on this article.