Welcoming a new baby into the family is such an exciting time. It is also a busy, exhausting and stressful time. Our practice has a special focus on the care of children and we would like to make accessing medical care for your baby as simple as possible. Below is a guide to the standard appointments that we recommend for babies as well as other things that you might like to consider.
Growth, Development and Immunisation Visits
Your baby will require regular immunisations over the first 18 months of life. Attending Neighbourhood Medical for your baby’s immunisation visits allows us to meet regularly with you to check your baby and monitor his or her growth and development as well as discuss any concerns you may have. Our nurses are skilled in administering vaccinations to babies of all ages and will spend time with you explaining the vaccines and what to watch out for in the period following immunisation.
At each immunisation visit you will be seen by the doctor who will talk with you about any issues you are having with your baby as well as performing a thorough physical examination to check your baby’s general health and development. Your child’s height, weight and head circumference will also be measured and plotted on the growth charts in the red book so make sure you bring this to every visit. After seeing the doctor you will be looked after by our nurse who will administer the vaccines and then keep an eye on your baby for 15 minutes after vaccination.
Additional Vaccines
In addition to the government funded vaccines, there are some additional vaccines available to protect your child against Meningococcal Disease. These are available at our practice but do attract a private fee. We generally recommend that these vaccines are given in 2 doses at 3 months and 5 months however they can be commenced at any stage after 3
Months of age. Your GP will be able to provide more information about these vaccinations during your consultation
Routine Visit Schedule
6 weeks
Baby check – full physical examination including growth and developmental milestones.
Ensure feeding and weight gain are established
Follow up on any issues related to pregnancy and birth
Immunisation (govt funded standard vaccines as per immunisation schedule)
3 months
Baby check – full physical examination including growth and developmental milestones.
Meningococcal Immunisation Dose 1 (Optional – not government funded)
4 months
Baby check – full physical examination including growth and developmental milestones.
Discussion and planning for introduction of solids
Immunisation (govt funded standard vaccines as per immunisation schedule)
5 Months
Baby check – full physical examination including growth and developmental milestones.
Meningococcal Immunisation Dose 2 (Optional – not government funded)
6 months
Baby check – full physical examination including growth and developmental milestones.
Immunisation (govt funded standard vaccines as per immunisation schedule)
12 Months
Baby check – full physical examination including growth and developmental milestones.
Immunisation (govt funded standard vaccines as per immunisation schedule)
14 months
Baby check – full physical examination including growth and developmental milestones.
Meningococcal Immunisation Dose 3 (Optional – not government funded)
18 months
Baby check – full physical examination including growth and developmental milestones.
Immunisation (govt funded standard vaccines as per immunisation schedule)
Unplanned Visits
As you can see from the above schedule we will see your baby regularly throughout the first 18 months of life. However sometimes you will have concerns or questions in between these scheduled visits.
You should never feel bad about bringing your child to the doctor or fear that you may be over reacting. There is no such thing as a silly question and if you are concerned or something about your baby is playing on your mind – please make an appointment.
All of our GPs are trained and able to see children. We have several GPs who have a special interest in child health and will be available to see your baby. We will do our best to accommodate same day appointments whenever possible.
Dr Nicole White
Dr Nikki Twomey
Dr Mairaed Crawford
Dr Katie Franks
Help with Breastfeeding and Settling
Dr Katie Franks is a Possums accredited GP who is available at Neighbourhood Medical to provide in depth assessment and support to help you with any feeding and settling difficulties that you may have. More information about Katie and the Possums approach can be found here.
Telehealth
We are able to offer both phone and video appointments. This allows you to talk to one of our GPs without having to pack your baby up and leave the home. Medicare rebates are available for all existing patients and for new patients under 12 months of age. Bookings for telehealth appointments can be made online.