Contents
Where when how ?
Contrary to what its name might suggest, this first health check-up does not take place 8 days after the birth of the child but often well before. In fact, it occurs when you are discharged from the maternity hospital, which is three days after giving birth in the event of an early discharge. This visit is usually conducted by a pediatrician, in all cases by a doctor. Like the obligatory pregnancy appointments, it is 100% covered by Social Security (except in the event of the fees being exceeded in certain private establishments).
The interview
During the first part of the visit, the pediatrician takes the time to study your baby’s medical file. The first pages of the health record, already completed by the midwife or a pediatrician on the day of the birth, allow her to learn more about the progress of pregnancy and childbirth. You will be asked a number of questions, including family history. It is also a time during which the doctor observes the baby.
Clinical examination
During this first medical appointment, your newborn baby is fully scrutinized. Its skeleton, its vital functions, its genitalia, its tone: everything is carefully checked. An ophthalmological examination as well as a hearing impairment screening are also performed. It is weighed and measured in order to monitor the normal course of its growth.
The compulsory certificate
The visit of the first 8 days is compulsory. Especially since it is during this examination that the doctor must complete your child’s first health certificate. This is then sent to the coordinating doctor of the PMI center in your department. It is this certificate that allows you to trigger the payment of your family benefits, subject to means-tested. Two other certificates of this type must be completed afterwards: during the visit of the 9th month and during that of the 2 years of the child.
Prescription and advice for parents
At the end of the visit, the doctor will issue you with the discharge order for your little one. It generally contains vitamin D, absent in milk and necessary for the good development of the child, and vitamin K in the event of exclusive breastfeeding. A rehydration solution may also be prescribed. A drug that it is better to always have at home either in case of diarrhea of the infant.
In some maternity hospitals, the doctor suggests that parents be vaccinated or revaccinated against whooping cough, the parent-child contamination of which is significant.
Finally, he will take advantage of this moment to give you safety tips to remember, such as lying your child on his back or not smoking in his presence.