6-Week Visit

Congratulations on welcoming your bundle into the world! During this exciting time, you may feel unsure of what the steps are to ensure the healthy growth and development of your child. As a Paediatric GP, Dr Liane Randeree is ready to guide you through this beautiful journey and care for you and your little one - starting with the initial 6-week visit.

What is the 6-week visit?

The 6-week visit is a routine medical check-up for babies around the 6-week mark after birth. This essential appointment is designed to ensure your baby is developing correctly and provide you, the parent, with the guidance and support you need to navigate the challenges of parenthood.

During the visit, Dr Liane will physically assess your baby and check their growth and development to ensure they are healthy and on the right track.

Why is the 6-week visit necessary?

This milestone check-up is more than just a visit - it's the first time after birth that your baby will be assessed by a medical professional and acts as a starting point for your child's development journey. It's also an opportunity to build a relationship with your child's doctor that will be maintained throughout their childhood.

Additionally, it allows you to bring up your concerns, ask questions, and seek guidance.

What can I expect at the 6-week visit?

Dr Liane will visit you at your home or a location most comfortable for you. She understands that it's not always easy to visit a doctor's office when you're 6 weeks postpartum with a newborn, so her convenient mobile clinic service allows you and your child to receive the care you need in comfort.

During the check-up, Dr Liane will get to know you and your little one through a series of discussions and assessments:

• She will ask about your medical history, pregnancy and birth to better understand your child's overall health.
• She will ask about your baby's feeding and sleeping habits.
• She will ask about any concerns you may have about your baby's health or development.
• She will thoroughly examine your baby, checking their eyes, ears, mouth, heart, reflexes, muscle tone, and overall growth since birth.
• She will also assess your baby's developmental milestones, such as their ability to track objects with their eyes, lift their head and make eye contact.

Once complete, she will inform you of any findings or concerns and make recommendations for your baby's continued health.

After the 6-week visit, how often should my child have medical check-ups?

After establishing the health of your baby, Dr Liane will inform you of when to schedule follow-up appointments. These are crucial for continuously monitoring your child's development and growth.

In general, the frequency of developmental check-ups will occur at the following intervals:

• From 6 weeks to 2 years: every 2-3 months
• 2-5 years old: every 6 months
• 5-18 years: once a year