However, if you’ve relocated to a new city or town, changed insurance plans, or don’t feel comfortable with your current medical doctor, then you may find a new one. If this the case, you should ask around about doctors, meet with a few, and choose the one you feel the most contented with.

We here at Babies Online have put together some guidelines and recommendations:

Three Pieces of Advice:

1. How much?
   Make sure when you make the appointment with an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) you ask the receptionist about pricing. Most doctors set aside 10 to 15 minutes for an initial consultation. If your discussion lasts longer than that (up to a half an hour), there is a chance you may be charged another fee (consultation).
2. The Hospital?
   During your decisions regarding an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN), you will also be deciding where you will deliver your baby. Ask questions about the hospital, like “Does it have a birth center?” or “Is it family- and child-friendly?” or “What kind of relationship does your obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) have at this hospital?”
3. The Paperwork Formalities?
   When the choice has been made, remember to telephone your old doctor and ask to have your medical records mailed to your new obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN). Your new OB/GYN will need access to your complete medical history.

Questions for the OB/GYN:

• Their Background:
  Find out from the doctor how long he/she’s been in practice and what he/she likes best about a job as a doctor. How long will it take you to contact them in a non-emergency situation? How would you reach your doctor in an emergency?
• Group or Solo Practice:
  If the doctor is in a group, ask how often you’ll see the other doctors. What percent of the doctor’s own patients does he/she deliver? If the doctor works privately, ask him/her about who you will see when they are away.
• Typical Pregnancy Care:
  Ask the doctor which tests he/she routinely performs. Do you, the patient, have any concerns about one of them? If so, ask the doctor how he/she would handle those concerns. If you’re thinking of working with a midwife, talk it over with the doctor in the beginning. Is the doctor open to working with a midwife? Is she associated with a midwifery practice? Find out how experienced the doctor is with high-risk pregnancies (for example, twins or multiples, gestational diabetes or hypertension can all result in a “high-risk” classification) and what you could expect if your pregnancy becomes high-risk. Does the doctor perform vaginal births after cesareans? Finally, ask if he/she recommends that you take a childbirth class, and if so, which one.
• Labor, Delivery, Postpartum
  Ask if and when the doctor (or the doctor from the practice who’s on call) typically meets a patient in labor at the hospital. If you’d like to use a doula (labor coach), see if the doctor has any suggestions. Does the doctor like working with coaches? Is there someone the doctor can recommend? Does the doctor or the practice have recommendations for labor pain? What procedures does this doctor routinely perform during labor (for example, fetal monitoring, IV’s or episiotomies). Is there any procedure you don’t want to have, and if so, what happens then? Ask what happens after your baby is born: Will you be separated? If so, for how long? Can the baby stay in your room with you? Can your partner? Are there any special services for new moms? Are there lactation consultants or other professionals available to answer special questions?

Conclusion
Above all do not worry about asking too many or too few questions. Don’t feel dumb or stupid about questions. Remember: the only dumb or stupid question is the one that is NOT asked. It is important to get answers, and it’s also important to give yourself the chance to figure out if this obstetrician/gynecologist’s (OB/GYN) demeanor and approach is a good match for you.

Keeping the Camera Handy
This may sound like an obvious one, but with some of the chaos that comes along with having a new baby in the house you may, understandably, tend to forget where you put the camera down last. A good idea is to always try and keep it in the same spot – even if it means taking a few extra steps to reach the kitchen counter or end table in the living room once you’re done using it. This ensures a means of convenience in your newly, sometimes inconvenient world and is just one helpful hint so you’ll always know where it is and have it easily accessible for all those special shots you want to snap.

Charge It!
The batteries that is. If you’re using a digital camera, you know how fast the batteries can run out – even the good ones. So the charger that comes with most digital cameras can be one of your newest and most dependable friends. The last thing you’d want to happen is to miss an opportunity for capturing that precious moment because the batteries in your camera are drained. And remember, the batteries begin to drain even when the camera is not in use. So try to keep in mind that after every ten shots or so you’ll want to place them back in the charger so they’re ready to go when you need them. Of course, don’t forget to also put them back in the camera once they’re fully charged again.

Go For It!
Once you’ve got your camera and battery situation under control, don’t be afraid to take as many photos of your new baby as you want. Even the littlest event is an event – to you, so don’t worry if you think you’re over doing it – you’re not. Just remember while you’re snapping away, bright lights, including the flash on your camera, may irritate your baby’s eyes and attitude so try to take as many shots as you can during daylight hours or even outside in the sun’s natural light whenever possible.

What is the Rotavirus? It is a virus that not only most children get by the time they are 3 years old, but most people get it every year. However, the symptoms range for each person. For a child, generally the most severe is the first time it is contracted. For adults it is likely to just cause a little diarrhea or stomach ache, which most would hardly notice. It is estimated that 70,000 children are hospitalized, and another 150,000 are brought into emergency rooms each year. Approximately 100 children die each year from Rotavirus complications.

Rotavirus has an incubation period of about two days and the symptoms of Rotavirus include diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some experience severe abdominal pain as well. Rotavirus also as a distinct odor to it — many say that once you have smelled it, you will never forget it. Rotavirus can last anywhere from three to nine days. Once you have it you can become immune to it, however like the common cold there are many different strains in the world that you can be infected by.

Rotavirus in its’ worst form can also be the cause of severe dehydration in infants and children. Signs of dehydration include dry, cool skin, sunken eyes, dry mouths, absence of tears when crying, and lethargy. It is important to watch your baby for these symptoms and try to keep him hydrated so that you can avoid hospitalization.

There is very little treatment for Rotavirus once it has been contracted; however they now have a new vaccine available for an infant that is taken orally. It is very contagious and is often transmitted from fecal to mouth when children do not wash their hands after using the bathroom. If you have older children and an infant in your home, it is very important to teach your older children how to properly wash their hands in order to help avoid your infant from catching the virus.

If your baby is sick and you think he might have the Rotavirus, call your pediatrician and have him seen. Your pediatrician might have suggestions to help keep your baby hydrated or more comfortable.

When in doubt it is never wrong to call up your baby’s pediatrician to ask for advice. Sometimes a simple call may help you feel more relaxed, or the nurse may have a hint to help relieve your baby’s discomfort. In the end it is important to remember that your doctor is not only there for well-checks, but also for sick baby calls.

Colds
Little coughs, a hardly heard sneeze, watery eyes and a runny nose can hit your baby as hard as it hits you. There are several different things you can try to do to help relieve your baby’s discomfort. First, ask your doctors what medicines you can give your baby. There are several items on the market made specifically for babies. Make sure you ask your pediatrician first however, and follow dosing instructions precisely. Second, invest in a humidifier. Often changing the air around your baby can help clear his head and chest. Third, make use of the “bulb” you are given in the hospital that they use to suction out your baby’s nose. They are too young at this point to understand how to blow their nose, so the only way to help them clear their sinuses is the bulb. As much as your baby may hate it and cry, it is a great tool for you.

Fever
When is your baby’s fever too high? There is no “right” answer to this question. A lot of it depends on your baby’s health since birth. Was he full term or premature? Has he been sick a lot or healthy for the most part? At your baby’s next well-check be sure to ask your pediatrician what degree of temperature he would suggest you call his office about. Some doctors will say 100 degrees, others may say to wait till it is a minimum of 102 degrees or slightly above. It is best to find out the answer to this question before you need it. Also, be sure to ask your pediatrician what medications he thinks is ok for you to give your baby when he spikes a fever.

Hospitalization
Occasionally your baby will get an illness that will cause him to be hospitalized for anywhere from a few hours to possibly several days. This is hardest on parents especially if there are IVs and tubes involved. It is best to remember during this time to ask a lot of questions and not to be afraid to ask for a second opinion. In most cases a hospital will allow at least one parent to spend the night at the hospital with your baby. If your baby is breastfed or you co-sleep with him, don’t be afraid to ask the hospital to get you a real hospital bed so that you can curl up next to your baby and help him get the most rest possible. Babies are very intuitive and yours will know when you are upset, scared, sad or happy. Try not to panic in front of your baby. Keeping a calm hospital room will help your baby stay calm and relaxed as well.

Remember, your baby getting sick is a part of life. He will have many more healthy days than he does sick days, but the sick days will come. Try to keep your wits about you, don’t be afraid to call the doctors, and give your baby some extra cuddles while they get better. Luckily, your baby is too young to remember being sick and will forget about it much sooner than you will.

Baby sickness – is always a hard trial for family, and if the matter concerns baby’s hospitalization, then you can become panic-stricken only at the thought of the fact that a baby will be estranged from his family, painful procedures expect him, and strangers will surround him.

Because of hospitalization, a baby can get the whole complex of serious psychological problems, caused by sickness, isolation from home and conditions of hospital. Even adult person experiences stress, when he needs to apply to a doctor and moreover, while necessity of long staying in hospital. Needless to say about baby’s stress! Strange atmosphere, strange people, new, constantly renewed children collective, forced separation from parents, fear of medical procedures – all this is quite enough for psychological discomfort. And all these factors accompany symptoms of disease.

However, you should not dramatize situation. Of course, disease and necessity of hospitalization – are traumatizing factors. But for majority of children staying at hospital can become an important stage in formation of personality, bring lots of new impressions and knowledge, and give possibility to try themselves in difficult life circumstances. This experience will be useful in further life of a child.

Processes of adaptation are individual for each child. This depends on many reasons: whether he had diseases earlier, stage of disease, is he staying at hospital for the first time or not, baby’s age, whether he was separated from his family before etc. Often everything passes quite smoothly, due to presence of inner reserves of a baby and correct behavior of parents.

It’s quite normal, if period of adaptation at hospital lasts during 3-5 days. There are no reasons for anxiety, if a baby is rather careless during first days of hospitalization, asks to take him home, gets into contact with coevals not at once. Excess care and parental inclination for dramatizing situation can only damage. On the other hand, you should not leave a baby alone with his problems. He should not feel abandoned and lonely.

Quite often parents of sick children need more psychological help, then children themselves, as it is their correct behavior that influences a baby’s mood for recovery.

Here are several recommendations of experts. Never frighten your baby with hospital. Do not create future problems, as there is hardly any baby, who has not been at hospital for his life. During conversations with other people avoid such phrases, like: “There doctors hardly understand something, I wish only they do not harm my child” etc.

In case of baby hospitalization do your best to reduce stress and melancholy because of coming separation from home and parents. Adults themselves should be confident in future, calm and wise, so that a baby would treat staying at hospital calmly. If hospitalization is planned and you have at least 1-2 days for preparation, involve baby in preparations, as if he would be going to health centre or camp.

Try to dispose your baby to optimism. Children have great intuition, and it’s almost impossible to persuade them in things, which you don’t believe yourself in. So, first of all you should analyze your own emotions and forget about affirmation: “Hospital – pain, fear, danger”. Replace it by “Hospital – help, relieve, recovery”. You confidence and peace of mind will be passed to your daughter and son. Talk to your child about coming hospitalization softly-softly. You can explain to schoolchild, that sickness is not a catastrophe, but a peculiar exam for courage and firmness. Tell your child that you will be thinking of him constantly and you’re always ready to help him. Think and discuss ways of your contacts.

During separation avoid touching scenes, restrain excessive emotions. Try to behave the way, so that a baby would treat hospital not as punishment, but as a place, where he will be helped to recover sooner and return to usual life. Form positive attitude, both to improvement of health and doctors’ work. Explain your child an objective necessity of medical assistance.

Don’t persuade him that he is guilty of his sickness, trauma etc. himself. By doing this, you will increase sense of guilt and fear, which can cause undesirable psychological complications. Of course, there’re situations, when it is important to discuss wrong behavior of a child, which caused disease. But it is also very important that a result of your conversation would be not a sense of guilt, but understanding of cause and effect connection between wring behavior and disease.

Discuss schedule of visiting a child with relatives for sure, to avoid situations, when there’re several visits per one day and no visits at all other day. This is very important, as excess of visitors can lead to emotional overloads of a sick baby, and their absence – to increase of longing for home and relatives.

Try not to hung up on topic of disease and treatment. Life goes on. Ask your child about his new friends, news, what he does in spare time. Keep all your doubts concerning effectiveness of treatment inside of you. Don’t overload patient with your doubts and fears. As medicine, which you doubt, will not help, as doctor, whom you don’t trust, won’t be able to help. Try to avoid unpleasant topics, wait a little with information about bad news: sick baby need not to know that his favorite doggie eats bad or that cat ate hamster. While talking to a baby, pay attention to positive moments of staying at hospital. Think about things you can compliment him for: he bears procedures with fortitude, does not play about, could make friends with somebody, drew a good picture etc.

Unfilled spare time increases feeling of loneliness, longing for home. So you should definitely worry about things your child should do. Bring him an interesting book, meccano, some new game, paints, crayons etc. Bring a toy for a small baby surely. You can tell that a new “friend” came to him specially to protect him at nights (if a baby is predisposed to night fears). It will be very good, if you bring him a toy bear, elephant, lion, tiger, i.e. any big animal, which will be able to personify power and protection (size of toy is not important).

After discharge talk to your baby about time he spent at hospital. Ask him about things he learned to do, what he understood about himself and his relations with other people, help him to realize value of experience he gained.

About the Author:
Yana Mikheeva is the creator of Baby Health Directory – Pregnancy, Birth, Parenting and Baby Care resources. Are you going to get pregnant? Visit our friendly resource and read information on pregnancy and parenting, painless childbirth, growth and development of a baby, baby health, safety, signs of pregnancy.

She also has All about women site where you can find articles on various subjects, such as: diets, receipts, health, cellulite, figure, aromatherapy, wholesome food, psychology of relationships, pregnancy, parenting, fashion and many others.

Testing Methods
Normally testing will first be done on your newborn before he leaves the hospital, and it is recommended that it is done while your baby sleeps. There are two ways that the doctors may test your baby’s hearing.

The first one is called otoacoustic emissions testing (OAE) and it involves the detection of emissions that are produced by a normal ear in response to incoming sounds. In order to do this the doctor or nurse will insert a small plug housing a microphone in your baby’s ear and sound is then projected into the ear via the plug. If your baby has hearing loss then no emissions will be detected.

The other common test involves auditory brainstem responses (ABR), which are measured by placing electrodes on the baby’s head. While he sleeps, sounds are introduced to the baby through tiny earphones. The electrodes then measure if the brain is detecting the sounds. Even while your baby sleeps there should be some activity in the brain if your baby can hear like normal.

If Hearing Loss Is Not Detected Early
Some parents may wonder what the big deal is if hearing loss is not detected as early as possible in their baby. The answer is simple. Babies learn speech from the sounds around them. They learn to interact and talk buy hearing other people talk. If your baby can not hear sounds, then he could have a delay in speech development making it hard to ever talk to people and interact in society. It could also lead to teasing and hurt feelings once your baby starts school.

If your baby is found to have hearing loss, it doesn’t mean that he won’t be able to go to “hearing” schools or function normally with peers his age. It just means that by taking the steps necessary as early as possible to help your baby, you can make his life a little bit easier as he transitions into the speaking world and make it a little bit easier for him to communicate with those around him.