First pediatriciam appointment!

Nathaniel had his first pediatrician appointment yesterday. They like to do them 2 days after discharge just to make sure things are going well at home.

Everything is looking good. Nathaniel's weight is down to 8 lbs 5 oz from 8 lbs 14 oz, which is pretty normal. He is doing well producing plenty of wet and dirty diapers, so the doctor is certain we are headed in the right direction. We talked about how I had heard conflicting things about introducing pacfiers early and strategies to get Nathaniel to sleep not in our arms. The pediatrician also ordered us a biliruben test, as Nathaniel was looking a little yellow, and wants us to start vitamin D daily.

On pacifiers, the pediatrician said since nursing is going so well and since Nathaniel is already happily sucking on our fingers and his when he can find them, he doesn't think it's a big deal. We did try when we got home, and it seems to work sometimes and not others. The jury is still out.

On bedtime, I actually realized before the appointment that Nathaniel really just hates the bassinet in the pack and play. I had put him down for naps in the crib and he was ok with that. The pediatrician also suggested trying to keep him awake for a few hours before bedtime, which is still pretty hard at this age. We did try last night, and things are better, but we are working on it. We did get a couple 2-hour stretches which was great. I also think it helps that my milk has come in which seems to be filling him up better.

The doctor himself called last night to let us know the biliruben levels were normal (15.7). I was impressed that he called and didn't have a nurse do it. We go back on Friday for a quick weight check and then for our normal visit in a month!