Should I take bub to the doctor or clinic?

Your local doctor will be able to measure, weigh and examine baby to make sure that they are healthy and thriving. But I strongly recommend taking baby to your local clinic. It is a free service where you not only weigh baby but also gain some fantastic advice from qualified midwives.

It is also great on a social level. Emily and I are currently attending the free weekly information sessions and have met some really great women. After every session we walk to the local coffee shop to have a girlie catch up and to discuss what’s happening with our babies. It is REALLY great to gain others advice and know that you are not alone in the day to day baby dilemas.

Your local clinic will also offer a free lactation specialist. I am booked in for next Tuesday with Sienna to hopefully get to the bottom of her erratic behaviour on the breast.

Baby Health checks are recommended as follows:
 
- with your GP within 5-10 days old if baby is discharged from hospital at less than 3 days (72hrs) old
- an initial assessment with a child health nurse or GP between 0-4 weeks
- subsequent checks at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and older or as recommended by your health care professional

Remember to take along your red “Personal Health Record” booklet. This would have been given to you in hospital. 

QLD: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/cchs/