Yes,

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends followup for newborns 48-72 hours after hospital discharge.

However, this "community standard" is not practiced in many communities.  In my area most providers (that includes pediatricians as well as family practictioners) do the "2 week" check as the first appointment.  When things go badly (as I have seen several times in my area), no one seems to take into account that delaying followup to 2 weeks might be part of the problem. I have heard more than a few times that "the baby just should have gotten bottlefeed" (gnashing my teeth as I type).  Many of the babies who have medicaid (Medi-Cal in my state) have delayed access to care up to 6-8 weeks postpartum (due to limited providers taking these patients).

I see most (>90%) my newborns at least 48-72 hours after discharge (sometimes the next day if I am very concerned).  I also make sure that they are connected to outpatient lactation services if for some reason they are unable to see me (this happens if I am out of town, or over a long holiday weekend).

Hope springs eternal for a better situation for our babes,

Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, MD FAAP
Modesto CA

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