September is Baby Safety Month: Advice from Waukon and Postville Clinic Nurse Midwife Katy Maker

It has often been said that babies should come with an instruction book or maybe an app!  There are a lot of unknowns when baby comes into the world, but it’s very reassuring that there are excellent tests that can identify problems that are not apparent on a basic physical exam. These tests can reveal conditions that need intervention for baby to achieve their optimum health and enjoy all the opportunities in this life. They are performed within the first few days of life as a group of three different tests with excellent follow-up and care if a problem is identified.

Blood sample:

Most families are aware that a blood test is done but may not be aware that it identifies problems with metabolism which can require a special diet, problems with blood formation, some rare inherited disorders, and endocrine problems like congenital hypothyroidism. The sample is obtained through a heel stick within the first 24-48 hours and the result of the analysis is crucial for baby’s development. The complete list of illnesses thus identified varies somewhat state by state, but there is a crucial core set of tests. Over 30 disorders can be identified from this one test.

Hearing screening:

This is a simple test should ideally be performed with follow-up testing if needed before the end of the first month of life. Ideally further diagnostic evaluation can be finalized by three months of life, and interventions can be initiated by six months of life. It’s a great way to protect the baby from difficulty developing communication skills.

Pulse oximetry:

This is a simple test using a device that can measure blood oxygenation using light to calculate the percent of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen. Based on results a variety of critical congenital heart defects can be identified before the baby goes home from the hospital.  If the test raises a concern, a prompt echocardiogram can be performed with referral to cardiology based on the suspected diagnosis. Immediate appropriate care can begin from the point of this test. Parents can be reassured when their baby passes this test and they can be comfortable going home with baby to their new family life.

There are so many decisions to make as parents, so much to learn, and with very little sleep in the first few weeks. It’s great to have these tests covered. Veterans Memorial Hospital Birthing Center staff perform this testing in a gentle and compassionate manner and families can get the answers they need.

We can continue to guide parents and provide connections to the right resources throughout childhood through regular well child checks and immunizations at either the Veterans Memorial Hospital Waukon or Postville Clinic.  We are here to help parents and families and that is our passion!

For more information, please call Katy Maker, NP, Nurse Midwife at the Waukon Clinic at 563-568-5530 or at the Postville Medical Clinic at 563-864-7221.