Expectant Parents

 Your  baby will have a full physical exam as soon as practical after  delivery.I will come to speak with you after this.Your baby will have  another complete exam prior to discharge and I will again visit with you  before you go home from the hospital. 

 When we give you your discharge instructions I will tell you when to bring  the baby to the office for his first visit.Usually you will come 2 or 3  days after discharge.  

 If  you have urgent questions that cannot wait for office hours, please  call the office number 423-744-8755. One of our providers will be available to talk with you after normal office hours.

 Babies  grow and develop very quickly.We will ask you to have your baby  examined shortly after leaving the hospital, then again at 1 month, 2  months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2  years, 30 months, 3 years and yearly thereafter.Of course all babies  are different, and there may be a medical reason that requires a  different schedule.We will always tell you when to schedule your next  visit as you leave the office.  

 Immunizations  are among the miracles of modern medicine.Your baby comes into contact  with thousands of germs every day.Many of these can cause deadly  diseases.By immunizing your baby you are giving him the best protection  possible from these diseases.We will discuss each vaccine with you as  your child receives them.  

 In  a life-or-death situation call 911. In other cases, please call the  office to speak to us or the doctor on call.Many times we can help you  decide what to do.We can guide you over the phone or direct you to the  emergency room.You may want to take a CPR or first aide class to help  you feel more equipped to care for your baby.