New Parents

A newborn baby will bring much joy and excitement into your home along with many questions and concerns.

It doesn't matter if you are a first-time parent or a well-practiced pro, caring for a newborn child can be overwhelming.

The following information will help you manage your baby’s care and help put your mind at ease.

When to Call a Doctor

You may call for assistance whenever you feel concerned about your child’s health.

Our pediatric registered nurses are available to answer questions, help you manage your child’s health issues and decide if an office visit is warranted.

We encourage you to be resourceful as well. Please use the clinical recommendations located on our Trusted Health References page, and consider obtaining one of the helpful parenting books listed in our book list.

To make an appointment, we recommend you call in the morning if your child needs to be seen by a doctor that day. However, if you need to bring your child in for a check-up or immunizations, you may call and schedule an appointment in advance.

One of our doctors or pediatric nurse practitioners remains on-call after hours.

You may reach them by phone through our answering service. Please be aware that you will be billed directly for service delivered by phone after hours.

Call your pediatrician

Call your baby's pediatrician if your baby exhibits any of the following symptoms:

• Rectal temp is 100.4 degrees F (38.0 degrees C) or higher
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
  
• Your baby does not want to eat
• Breathing fast (normal breathing rate is 40 to 60 breaths per minute)
• Suddenly more sleepy or fussy than usual
• Redness, swelling or fluid on the baby's eyes, ears, nose, circumcision or umbilical cord (belly button)
• Unexpected rash
• Urine and stool output is less than expected
• Develops jaundice or has jaundice that becomes worse
• You have any questions about your baby's health

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Contact
Northwestern Medical Group Pediatrics
312.926.7337 (PEDS)

Our pediatric nurse is available to speak with you during weekday office hours. Call to leave a message and she will return your call within two to three hours. If you request to speak to a physician, the call back may be at the end of the day. There is no charge for phone services during regular hours.

After Hours
If you wish to speak with a provider after hours about your child’s sudden illness, call 312.926.7337 (PEDS) to have the on-call provider paged. Please note you will be billed for professional services delivered by phone after hours.