Neonatal Care
Dr Selela: Neonatal Care by a Paediatrician in Margate and Port Shepstone
The first days of a baby’s life bring joy, uncertainty and many questions. Parents may worry about feeding, jaundice, breathing, sleep, weight gain or whether their newborn is progressing normally. Dr Selela provides neonatal care at Netcare Margate Medical Centre and Hibiscus Medical Suites, combining careful assessment with clear guidance for families.
Specialist Neonatal Care for Newborn Babies
Neonatal care focuses on babies during the first 28 days after birth, including full-term babies, premature babies and newborns needing closer follow-up. As a specialist paediatrician in Margate and Port Shepstone, Dr Selela assesses the baby as a whole. A consultation may include reviewing the pregnancy and delivery, examining the heart and lungs, checking alertness and skin colour, and monitoring weight, hydration and early development.
An early paediatric assessment can clarify feeding changes, unusual sleepiness, persistent crying or changes in colour, while identifying concerns early.
Feeding, Jaundice and Premature Baby Follow-Up
Dr Selela can assess breastfeeding or formula-feeding difficulties, tiring during feeds, frequent vomiting, poor intake and slow weight gain. The aim is to identify possible causes and guide an appropriate care plan.
Newborn jaundice also needs careful assessment. Mild jaundice is common, but its timing, severity and related symptoms matter. A baby who becomes yellow very early, is difficult to wake, feeds poorly or appears increasingly unwell should be assessed promptly. Testing, monitoring, treatment or referral may be recommended where necessary.
Babies born prematurely, with a low birth weight or after specialised hospital care may need structured follow-up. These visits monitor feeding, weight gain, breathing, development and recovery. Parents receive guidance on what to monitor at home.
When Should a Newborn Receive Urgent Medical Care?
Seek urgent assessment if a newborn has difficulty breathing, poor feeding, repeated vomiting, fever, marked sleepiness, reduced responsiveness, seizures, worsening jaundice, feels unusually cold or shows a sudden worrying change. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should My Newborn See a Paediatrician?
A newborn may need a review soon after discharge, especially for concerns about feeding, jaundice, weight loss, prematurity or recovery after hospital care. Arrange an earlier assessment whenever you notice a worrying change.
What Happens During a Neonatal Consultation With Dr Selela?
Dr Selela reviews the pregnancy, birth and newborn history before examining the baby. She may assess feeding, hydration, weight, breathing, heart function, jaundice, muscle tone, reflexes, skin and early development. Any tests, treatment or follow-up are explained clearly.