Choosing a pediatrician before your baby is born is one of the smartest things you can do. When
labour starts, you’ll want to already know who to call.

At Ellie Children’s Clinic, we like prenatal visits to be simple: a friendly chat, a few honest
answers, and less worry for you.

Do you actually need a prenatal visit?

You don’t need one, but it helps. It’s a chance to meet your pediatrician, ask questions, and make
sure your baby’s first days are in trusted hands. Most conversations are straightforward, and that’s
a good thing. It means you’re prepared.

Delivery & Hospital Care Plan

Where does your pediatrician fit into delivery day?

If you have a specific hospital or maternity facility in mind, it helps to discuss newborn rounds in
advance. We will clarify whether your pediatrician conducts initial checks directly at your
delivery hospital or if your baby’s first full evaluation will take place at our clinic shortly after
discharge.

Newborn Feeding & Lactation

Feeding support from day one

Early feeding decisions—whether you plan to breastfeed, formula feed, or use a
combination—often come with immediate questions in the first week.

During your visit, we offer practical guidance on latching, feeding cues, and milk production, as
well as early trouble-shooting so you feel supported from the very first feed.

Vaccination: Protecting Your Child, On Schedule

We recommend vaccinating your child according to the recommended immunization schedule.
Vaccines help protect babies and children from serious, and sometimes life-threatening, diseases.

We follow evidence-based vaccination guidelines, beginning with the birth doses given in
hospital, such as BCG (for tuberculosis) and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), followed by the routine
immunization schedule beginning at 6–8 weeks.

We know parents can have questions or concerns about vaccines. That’s completely
understandable. We’ll take the time to talk you through when each vaccine is due, why it is
recommended, and possible mild side effects such as a low-grade fever, including how you can
comfortably manage them at home.

Vitamin K: a quick injection that saves lives

Newborn babies naturally have low levels of vitamin K, which helps the blood clot. A single
vitamin K injection given shortly after birth helps prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding
(VKDB), a rare but potentially serious condition.

An injection into the muscle is the standard and most reliable method of prevention. Oral vitamin
K options are available in some regions, but they may require multiple doses and are generally
less reliable than the injection.

You may come across different information about vitamin K online, and it’s natural to have
questions. If something you’ve read concerns you, please bring it to us. We’re happy to explain
how the injection works, discuss its safety, and answer your questions before your delivery day.

Circumcision: your choice, with the facts

Circumcision is often influenced by culture, family, and faith, and we don’t push it either way. If
you’re considering it for your baby boy, we’ll give you a balanced, evidence-based view of the
benefits and risks, so you can make an informed decision.

If you choose circumcision, timing matters. When performed in the first few weeks of life by a
trained professional, it generally heals quickly and with minimal discomfort. We’ll guide you on
proper hygiene, wound care, what to expect during healing, and warning signs to watch for.

If you decide to go ahead, we’ll also point you to the right, safe place to have it done by trained
professionals.

Questions worth asking your pediatrician

• How can I reach you after hours if I have an urgent concern or need medical guidance?
  What is your protocol for after-hours urgent questions or emergencies? Do you have a
  direct emergency contact or dedicated WhatsApp number for urgent guidance outside
  regular clinic hours?
• What does the first-week check-up involve?
• What’s the vaccine schedule, and where will my baby get each dose?
• When should I bring my baby in, and when can I wait?

How to know you’ve found the right pediatrician

Choose someone who listens, explains things clearly, and doesn’t make you feel silly for asking.
If you leave the visit feeling calmer than when you arrived, that’s a great sign.

Book your prenatal visit

Expecting soon? Meet the team at Ellie Children’s Clinic and start your baby’s care with
confidence.

Book an appointment today