Newborn Care

What is newborn care?

Newborn care is the medical attention your baby receives in the first weeks of life. This care includes physical exams, required health screenings, monitoring of feeding and weight gain, and guidance on caring for your infant. 

At The Birth Center of New Jersey, your midwife provides newborn care that meets all state requirements while supporting you as you learn to care for your baby.

What newborn care screenings are required in New Jersey?

All babies born in New Jersey must have three screenings by law. The Birth Center of New Jersey team performs these tests between 1 and 5 days of life:

Newborn blood screening

The team pricks your baby’s heel to collect a small blood sample that tests for dozens of metabolic, genetic, and endocrine disorders. These conditions, such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and congenital hypothyroidism, can affect your baby’s growth and development without treatment. 

Hearing screening

This quick, painless test checks whether your baby can hear properly. A small device measures your baby’s response to sounds or checks how sound moves through the ear. Identifying hearing loss early ensures your baby can receive supportive interventions quickly. 

Critical congenital heart disease screening

The team uses pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels in your baby’s blood. Small sensors placed on your baby’s skin detect heart defects that might not be obvious during a physical exam. 

What happens during newborn care visits?

Your midwife examines your baby shortly after birth and at follow-up visits in the first weeks of life. During these appointments, your provider:

• Performs a physical exam 
• Monitors weight gain and feeding patterns
• Assesses jaundice levels if your baby appears yellow
• Checks the umbilical cord stump for proper healing
• Answers questions about bathing, diapering, sleep, and feeding
• Provides guidance on behavior warning signs to watch for

At these visits, you can also discuss any concerns you might have about your baby’s health, feeding, or development.

When should you seek newborn care immediately?

Contact your midwife if your baby shows concerning symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme fussiness 
• Refusal eating
• Fever above 100.4 °F
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes 
• Fewer than six wet diapers per day after the first week.

Don’t wait to seek help if you suspect an emergency. For newborn care that ensures your baby’s healthy start, call The Birth Center of New Jersey or schedule an appointment online.