Book with Abby Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Abby Olson CPNP-PC Biography Abby is from Detroit Lakes, a small resort town in Northern Minnesota. She earned her bachelor's degree in dietetics and exercise science from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in 2013. After realizing she missed her calling in nursing, she went back to school and received her Bachelors of Science in nursing through an accelerated nursing program at Marian University in Indianapolis. Upon graduation, she worked as a registered nurse in the NICU/Special Care Nursery at Regions and Ridgeview Hospital. She earned her Masters of Science in nursing from Regis College in 2021 specializing as a pediatric nurse practitioner in primary care. She completed her clinical rotations with Wayzata Children's Clinic, falling in love with the culture, patients, and community. She officially started with our clinic in 2022 and loves working with children of all ages. She has special clinical interests in NICU graduates, lactation, eating disorders, and health promotion through fitness and nutrition. She and her husband Karl live in Delano, where they are raising their three children: Adley, Isaac and James. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, be outside, workout and stay active, play basketball, and spend time on the lake. Back to Providers

16, 17 years (female) Nutrition Try to eat 3 healthy meals a day and make this a habit for life. Your performance in school and other activities and your ability to finish growing and heal yourself will depend on the foods you put into your body. You need 3-4 foods a day high in calcium (milk, yogurt, calcium-fortified orange juice) to support the completion of your bone growth and continued bone strengthening. Also, 2-3 iron-rich foods (iron-fortified cereal, meat, eggs, or green leafy vegetables) a day are recommended to support your blood. Fiber is known to prevent stomach and colon illnesses (such as cancer) and heart disease. By reading food labels and planning ahead you will have more control over your diet. "Junk" foods taste great but can deprive your body of what it really needs and can put on excess weight. Try not to get into eating habits that will be tough to break later on, including eating on the run or in front of the TV. Make a point to eat with your family at least once a day. It's a good time to get together on otherwise busy days. If you are unhappy with your appearance or performance, take a good look at your eating and see what you could change. If you eat well, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly, your body will look, grow and perform at its' best. If you are concerned about your size or growth, please talk to your health care provider. Wellness Visits If you find that you need more sleep than you are getting, try to go to bed earlier instead of sleeping in; getting up late can alter your normal body rhythm and make you even more tired during the day and sleepless at night. Also, try not to save all of your "think time" for bedtime — it often delays falling asleep. Sleep Always wear your seatbelt and helmet (when biking or in-line skating), even if no one else does. We see permanent, life-changing injuries resulting from simple accidents, and NO ONE thought it would happen to them. Wear sunscreen if you are outside. A great tan is not worth cancer. Take your body seriously. Make the decision not to smoke, take drugs, drink alcohol, or ride in a car with someone who has been drinking. Practice what you would say if someone pressured you. Delay sex until you are truly emotionally ready for this step. It only takes one mistake to change your life forever. If you feel you have made a past mistake, remember that you can always re-contract with yourself and make a better decision from now on. If you have questions about sex, HIV or AIDS, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, please ask your mom, dad, or doctor or nurse practitioner. Introduce your friends to your family, negotiate your curfew times reasonably, and expect that your parents will want to know where you are (yes, they are still responsible for you). Earn respect and trust by demon-strating that you are responsible and deserving of the privileges you want. Remember that driving is a privilege, not a right. Take this seriously. And in case you didn't know, Minnesota State Law prohibits all drivers under age 18 from using a cell phone while driving. If you are in sports, make sure the playing areas are kept up well, and all protective equipment fits and is in good shape. Never share head gear. Safety Most teenagers are developing longer-lasting and more personal relationships with others. It is often difficult to balance friends, school, extra activities and family. Prioritize the demands on you, and try to sit and talk with your mom or dad a little every day. You may not always agree on things, but talking about your differences will help you understand each other better. This age can also be a stressful time for teenagers. They can feel the pressure to look for the right college, hang out with the right people, dress in the latest styles, get better grades, get a part-time job, or develop individuality. The future can be an exciting, and scary, thought. If you are finding yourself getting stressed out more than you feel you should or can reasonably handle, please talk to someone. A friend, parent, favorite teacher or coach, counselor, or health care provider can offer support. Social, Family, & School Most young women have completed their "puberty" development by now and are at their adult height. Weight and clothing size will still increase as the body continues to "proportion" itself and strengthen muscles and bones. This is normal. It still may take a few years for periods to become regular. The guys, however, will probably notice body changes for years. Continue to respect other people's privacy. If you have questions or concerns about your health, body changes or sexuality, please ask your mom or dad or your health care provider here. We look forward to seeing you again for a check-up next year! Growth Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

We want to keep our patients and staff safe during the forecasted inclement weather. Please stay home if you are able to. Winter Weather Update (2/22/2023) We want to keep our patients and staff safe during the forecasted inclement weather. Please stay home if you are able to. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. All clinics will re-open on Friday, February 24 at 8 AM. Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

9 months Nutrition Breast milk or formula intake will decrease as solid foods increase, and many babies begin using a cup at this age. Whole milk will start at 12 months. Offer 3-4 meals of soft, smashed, or carefully cut table foods, and slowly advance through the different choices and onto thicker foods. You can offer a variety of finger foods (including a cracker or teething biscuit), but observe carefully for choking. Also observe to make sure your baby does not put too much food in her mouth at once! Rest assured that your baby will start learning chewing skills whether or not she has teeth. For more information on serving choices and sizes for this age group, please review our handout on nutrition for 9-12 month-olds. Eating in a high chair and at your mealtime will help your baby feel like part of the family and encourages an interest in food and in trying new items. Wellness Visits It is recommended that you brush your baby's teeth twice daily (especially before bedtime) with a soft cloth and warm water. Try not to leave a bottle in the crib with your baby. This enhances tooth decay and could cause choking. Oral Health Most babies sleep 10 to 12 hours at night, and frequently decrease naps to once daily. This is a common age for nightwaking to occur, unrelated to hunger (see our handout on "Common Childhood Sleep Concerns"). Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is often very beneficial, including putting your baby down awake for all sleep times. Babies that already know how to fall asleep without much help from a parent can fall asleep better in the middle of the night. Sleep Do not be alarmed if you see a small piece of undigested solid food in your baby's stool. This is quite common as a child's diet becomes more complex. Odor and consistency may differ greatly from that of early infancy. Elimination Car Seat — Your infant may resist, but keep her strapped securely. The car seat may be turned facing the front of the car when your child reaches age one and 20 pounds. All children should ride in the back seat until age 12. Life-preservers — Minnesota State Law requires all children under the age of 10 to wear a life-preserver when on any private boat. Find one that fits well. Falls — Babies often go down unguarded stairways, so make sure your gates are secure (both at the top and bottom of the stairs). Bumper pads are a good idea around sharp edged coffee tables and fireplace corners. Ingestions — Everything goes into the mouth of a nine-month-old baby. In addition to securing all potential hazards out of reach, we suggest that you keep the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) phone number handy (next to all of your home phones, and programmed into your cell phone). Burns — Irons, curling rods, lamps, light bulbs, lighted cigarettes, hot coffee, and hot food are all within reach of a crawling or walking child. Shaken Baby Syndrome is preventable. If you feel frustrated with your baby's crying, put her in a safe place and take a break. Call a friend, relative, or the Parent Warmline (612-813-6336). If you are at the end of your rope, call Crisis Connection (612-379-6363) or Minneapolis Crisis Nursery (763-591-0100). Safety Be prepared for numerous colds, coughs, flus, and other assorted viral infections, averaging 6-12 episodes per year. This is the normal process of your child's immune system getting educated in the real world, usually with the assistance of more public exposure. The vast majority of illnesses are minor and self-limited, and the frequency will decrease as your child gets older. Good hand washing decreases the incidence of illness and prevents spread to other family members. Illness This is the peak age of parental attachment. Your baby may be fearful of strangers (and even family members) and may cry when left with the sitter or daycare provider. Also, your baby may now be upright, grabby, and intruding on a sibling's territory. Consistent and appropriate limits are helpful. We recommend the next well-child visit at age TWELVE MONTHS. By then your baby may be on the verge of walking, talking, and testing your parenting skills and patience! The scheduled vaccines at that visit include the first Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Varicella (chicken pox), and Hepatitis A vaccines. You will soon have a walking bundle of energy on your hands. Hang in there! Family Adjustments Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

Due to recent events, the supply of baby formula is very limited. You may not be able to find the brand of formula you're used to buying. National Baby Formula Shortage Due to recent events, the supply of baby formula is very limited. You may not be able to find the brand of formula you're used to buying. We understand that this situation is frustrating. To help ease the burden, the MN Department of Health has shared an approved formula substitution list. Compounding these issues, some manufacturers have recently announced recalls for certain lot numbers of baby formula. If you recently purchased Similac, Alimentum, or Elecare, please click here to check if your formula is affected by this recall. You may return your products to the store you purchased from for a refund or exchange. Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

8, 9 years Nutrition Try your best to eat 3 meals every day of different kinds of healthy foods. The Food Pyramid will help you with those choices and the amounts your body needs to be at its' best. Breakfast is important — it gives you energy for the whole day. You will be better at school and at after-school activities just by eating a good breakfast. And don't forget milk (2 or 3 glasses a day). Many adults wish they had known to eat better when they were younger. We now know that many illnesses people get when they are grown up could have been prevented by eating better as kids. We all need to eat more fiber (vegetables, fruits, breads, cereals) and less junk food (candy, chips, greasy foods, soda). The foods you eat now will make you more healthy (or more sick) tomorrow and also in 50 years! As you grow up, you can take on more responsibility for making your meals and helping with the shopping. Try to eat with your family as much as possible. As your life gets busier, you will want this time to sit and talk with your family. Try to make this time good for everyone, even if you do not like the food. Use good manners, try a small bite, and thank whoever made the food anyway. Wellness Visits You probably are seeing a lot of your "permanent" teeth come in. You will have these new teeth for the rest of your life, so brushing your teeth 2 or 3 times a day is very important. And don't forget to see the dentist for a check-up 2 times a year. Teeth Your body needs 10-12 hours of sleep a night so it can store up energy for the next day and grow more. Sometimes it is hard to go to bed if you are doing something fun, but you know you are giving your body the best. Sleep Always wear your seatbelt (correctly!) and sit in the back seat of the car until you are 12. Booster seats are recommended until you weigh at least 80 pounds. Try not eat food or chew gum when you are in the car — you could choke if the car makes a sudden stop. Always wear sunscreen if you are outside. Always wear your helmet if you are riding your bike or scooter or skateboard or if you are in-line skating, even if no one else does. Never go near water (lakes, pools, rivers) without an adult nearby. And remember to wear your life jacket if you are ever on a boat (it's a Minnesota State Law). Never take medicine (including vitamins) without your parents helping you figure out how much you need. Some medicines could make you very sick if you take too much or if you really do not need them. You are in charge of your body and who touches you. The only people who ever touch or look at your private parts are doctors and nurses (in a clinic or hospital), or your parents (if you ask them to). Give your body only the best. Make the decision now that you will never smoke, take drugs, or drink alcohol. Talk to your family about how they feel, and about what you learn in school. Introduce all of your friends to your family. This way everyone who cares about you can get to know each other. Safety Have you noticed how much you have learned at school the past few years? You are probably very good at some things, and have to work harder at other things. If you always try your best you can be very proud of yourself. Sometimes people need to get some extra help with classes. Talk to your teacher or parents if you do not understand something. Study hard, have fun with your friends and activities, but remember to have some "free time" just for you every day. We recommend limiting your TV, video game and computer time to 2 hours a day or less. School Over the next few years, you may start to notice some changes in your body or the bodies of your friends. This is very normal. It is a sign of "puberty," or the time when everyone's bodies grow up. If you have any questions about puberty, ask your parents, or your doctor or nurse practitioner. There are also many good books available concerning those issues. We look forward to seeing you again for a check-up next year. Please try to be at least 10 minutes early for all of your check-ups. Growth Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

Expecting a new baby? Sign up for one of our New Baby Classes to join in on a discussion with one of our providers. Classes are free to attend. New Baby Classes No events at the moment Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

The purpose of our portal is to make routine, non-emergency communication more convenient and to provide patients and parents with better access to their or their child's health information. You must be a current patient of Wayzata Children's Clinic to enroll in our patient portal. Once enrolled, you will be able to: Fill out questionnaires for upcoming visits (only accessible via browser, not Healow app) View current and past appointments Access and view lab results Request prescription refills for current medications View your personal health records and immunizations Send and receive non-emergent messages from our Registered Nurses Receive e-mail appointment reminders Update demographic information How to Enroll Click the Access patient portal button above. Click the "View your health record" button. Click the "Using Mobile Phone" button and type in the patient's information (not parent's). Select the phone number you want to receive the verification text message on. Once logged in, click through the consent form. Patient Portal Viewing Lab or Test Results Using the patient portal is the fastest and easiest way to view lab results. After logging in: In the middle of the page, click "View All" inside the "Latest Results" box. Click on the name of lab you want to review the result for. Some labs may show the result in the "Result" column as well. In the page that opens, you can view the result below the blue Result bar and directly above "Notes." If your lab doesn't have a single result, you will find the results and/or values in the gray table. Access patient portal Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

Read what we're doing to protect the health and safety of our patient families, providers, and staff. COVID-19 Updates COVID-19 Testing Testing is available at Wayzata Children's Clinic by appointment only and may be advised depending on your child's symptoms. Due to supply fluctuations, we do not always have same day testing options. Supply and demand change daily, so please inquire when you call. If your child requires testing for an exposure, we encourage use of MDH or Carver county testing sites so we may preserve appointments for children who are ill. Frequently asked questions from parents including vaccination after having COVID illness MDH Testing Sites Carver County Community Testing Site Daily updates on where to find test kits Free at-home COVID-19 tests Close contacts and quarantining If you are sick or positive COVID-19 Vaccination We are working on being able to provide the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters for our patients. Please check back here for updates. Vaccine information sheets Click here to view the latest vaccine fact sheets. For general vaccine questions, call the MDH COVID-19 vaccine hotline at (651) 297-1304 or 1 (800) 657-3504 or visit the MDH website. If you live in Carver county, you may also call the COVID-19 call center at (952) 361-1559. What to expect at your child’s visit Open Clinic is suspended, no walk-ins. Please call to schedule. To reduce illness transmission, we require masks for patients and families over the age of 2. We ask that you inform staff of illness symptoms during check-in so our staff can take appropriate precautions. If your child has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days, we ask that you reschedule their visit until 10 days have passed since illness symptoms began or from a positive COVID-19 test, whichever occurs first. Telehealth Many appointments (medication follow ups, skin concerns, certain illness visits) can be done via telehealth. Our schedulers can guide you on whether this is an option for your child's appointment. 24 Hour Nurse Help Line During clinic hours, Wayzata Children's Clinic's Registered Nurses (RNs) are available for consultation. For after-clinic-hour concerns, RNs from the Children's Health Network (associated with Children's Hospital) are available. These nurses will answer your questions or, if necessary, put you in contact with a Wayzata Children's Clinic Pediatrician, who is on-call seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For life-threatening emergencies, please dial 911. Fact Sheets for COVID-19 Testing COVID-19 Test: BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2-BD COVID-19 Test: Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 Resources CDC Minnesota Department of Health Healthy Children Talking to Children about Coronavirus MN Vaccine Hunters Vaccine Spotter MN MN Vaccine Connector Fact Sheets & Resources Book vaccine appointment > We highly recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 6+ months and the COVID-19 booster for ages 5+ years and encourage you to get it wherever you can. There is ample supply in our community with multiple opportunities to get it. Vaccine is available at community clinics, pharmacy chains, and Mall of America which is a child friendly environment. Spring Park pharmacy, Carver County, Hennepin County , and Wright County have scheduling links. Use the MN Vaccine Hunters website or Vaccine Locator to find other vaccines in your area. Parent resource link from MDH *Additional slots opened 6/23/2022! Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

How was your experience? Share a Google review! Our goal is to provide a great experience every time you call or visit. We invite you to leave a review to share your experience with us. Thank you for your time and feedback. Google Reviews Chaska Clinic Share Review Delano Clinic Share Review Maple Grove Clinic Share Review Minnetonka Clinic Share Review Patient families that submit a review prior to June 26 and fill out the entry form may win a $50 gift card! Learn more. Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

By the time a baby arrives, most parents have made the choice of either breastfeeding or formula feeding their baby. Regardless of which option you have chosen, a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere is an important aspect of the feeding experience. While breast milk has certain nutritional advantages, millions of healthy babies have thrived on formula. The decision to breastfeed or give formula to your baby will depend on many factors, including personal preference. This decision is yours alone. After Discharge From the Hospital Our preventative well visit schedule begins with a Newborn Visit during the first week of life. Life will be full of changes, learning experiences, surprises, and "firsts," for both babies and parents. Listed below are some of the most common newborn health and care issues that come up in the first few weeks at home. While most babies are healthy, please call us if you feel you have a problem. Weight loss occurs in almost all newborns during the first week of life as they rid themselves of excess fluids. A 5-10% loss is considered normal, and babies are usually back to birth weight by the two-week visit. After that, most babies gain ½ to 1 ounce a day for several months. Sleep will vary considerably. Some babies sleep 20 or more hours a day and waken only for a feeding. Others are awake every hour or so, including through the night! It is recommended that all infants be placed on their backs for sleep. Some sleeping babies gasp, snort, groan and occasionally even pause their breathing while they sleep. It's all normal. Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin caused by the build-up of "bilirubin" in the blood and fat tissues. Bilirubin is the normal result of the breakdown of red blood cells (we all have bilirubin in our bodies). Because there is so much bilirubin produced in the first few days of life (from the birth, bruising, etc.), sometimes it temporarily accumulates in the skin until the liver can break it up and help the body eliminate it. The most common time babies develop jaundice is 2-5 days after delivery. This is rarely a problem, but if you notice your baby becoming quite yellow (or "orange") and lethargic, contact us at the office. The best way to prevent jaundice is frequent feedings (every 2-3 hours) to help your baby have more stools (which is one way the body excretes bilirubin). Mild jaundice can be helped by exposing a baby to window sunlight. Newborn rash or "Erythema Toxicum" is a common rash seen in the first week or two of life. It is a widely scattered rash that consists of red raised spots with whitish centers (resembling "flea bites"). The rash has no symptoms, and no one knows why babies get it, but it usually goes away on its own by the time a baby is two weeks old. Infantile (neonatal) acne is another type of skin rash that usually shows up when a baby is two to six weeks old and is due to the stimulation of the body's oil glands by maternal hormones during the pregnancy. This appears as pink raised "pimples" and can develop anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the face, chest and upper back. Some babies get only a few pimples, while others get covered from head to toe. No treatment is needed nor recommended unless the pimples begin to look infected (increasing redness or fluid-filled pustules). Infant acne does not indicate the future presence nor severity of adolescent acne. Infant breast enlargement is normal regardless of gender and is caused by pregnancy-related hormones. Sometimes a thin white discharge may be present at the nipple. Observation is all that is needed and this should clear within a few weeks. Infant female bloody spotting, or "pseudomenstruation" is the name of the blood tinged vaginal discharge caused by maternal estrogen's effect on a baby girl's vagina and uterus. It is totally normal, and may occur on and off for the first month. Hiccoughs, sneezing, chin quivering, sudden jerking movements and random eye crossing are all normal newborn behaviors and do not mean something is wrong. A newborn's nervous system is very immature and is not used to having to coordinate all those new reflexes. Umbilical cord care usually involves observation alone. Some people still prefer to clean the base of the cord 1-2 times a day with rubbing alcohol, but avoid cleaning too frequently, as this can irritate the skin and delay cord separation. A little bleeding a few days before and after the cord falls off is normal. Dry skin is normal and varies in all newborns. Some get just a little patchy dryness, while others have peeling, flaky, cracked skin all over their bodies. With the exception of extreme cases, lotions are usually not needed nor are they helpful. The dryness will resolve into smooth "baby" skin at about the same time the oil glands mature and erupt (age 2-6 weeks). Circumcision remains a subject of controversy and opinion. There is no overwhelming evidence that supports whether a child should or should not be circumcised, so the decision is left to the parents. If the decision is to circumcise, take care of the freshly circumcised penis by gently washing away debris with warm water. Follow with an application of petroleum jelly and a fresh gauze pad (to prevent the diaper from sticking to the healing site) until there is no more drainage on the gauze pads. Most circumcisions are healed and well-protected within 2-3 days. If the decision is to remain uncircumcised, the care of the foreskin consists of gently removing accumulated secretions with a soft cloth during bath time. It is not necessary to vigorously retract the foreskin during infancy; it will gradually separate over time and eventually become fully retractable. When this occurs, your son can be taught to clean this area on his own. Bathing is initially done with a washcloth or sponge and the baby laying on a towel. When the cord falls off and there is no more drainage from the cord area, bathing your baby is a small tub or sink is fine (remember to put a non-slip pad or washcloth on the bottom of the tub for safety). Most babies need only 1-2 baths a week, as parents clean the dirty areas frequently anyway (around the mouth, nose, neck, and diaper area). Avoid soap on the face, and use it sparingly on the scalp and body (unscented mild soaps are the least irritating and drying). Healthy ears are self-cleaning, and cotton-swabs are never recommended. Baby powder is also not recommended because of the risk of inhalation of the talc and subsequent lung irritation. Room temperature should be determined by what is comfortable for you (68-72 degrees is average), and we advise dressing your baby appropriate for the conditions. For example, if you like your house on the cooler side, an extra undershirt for baby is a good idea. Resist the urge to overbundle. If you take your baby outside (even if only from the house to the car), protect her from the elements (wind, cold, heat, sun, rain, blowing dirt/sand) with a lightweight blanket over her infant carrier. Visitors and outings really need to be limited in your baby's first few weeks of life. This is very difficult for most parents, as the adrenaline is pumping and you are so excited to show your baby to the world. But, having too many visitors to your house or taking your baby to someone else's house is surprisingly exhausting, for parents and babies. Plus, this immediate and often uncontrolled exposure to illness (illness that we adults consider mild and routine) can be serious to a newborn. Remember (and remind visitors) to wash your hands frequently, and always before touching or picking up your baby. Crying is a baby's way of communicating, and does not necessarily mean that the baby is angry. All babies cry, some much more than others. Eventually you will get to know your own baby's cries and be able to distinguish between the "feed me," "change me," "dress me," "hold me," and "leave me alone" cries. Each baby has a separate personality and temperament, which is often what determines how a baby will respond to changes or stimulation. Some babies are very mellow and barely squeak when really hungry. Other babies go into a full cry when their arms accidentally sneak out of the blanket a little. If you feel that your baby is crying inconsolably for more than an hour or two, or longer than you feel comfortable with, please call us. Familiarize yourself with Shaken Baby Syndrome and know who you would call for help if you needed a break from your baby's crying. Pacifiers and thumbs are topics sure to stimulate intense conversation with friends and relatives! In general, all babies need to suck to console themselves; they have no other way to calm down. To deprive a baby of this natural sucking need will deprive him or her of a natural reflex and will likely lead to fussiness. Some babies are very "oral," while others really only suck when feeding. There are certainly advantages and disadvantages of both the pacifier and thumb for these oral babies. Early on, babies usually cannot hold anything in the mouth without help (the pacifier pops right out, or the thumb gets yanked away when the baby startles). If the baby is breastfeeding, and is having a hard time getting the hang of it, pacifiers and bottles are not recommended until the nursing improves. When the sucking strength improves, the thumb is handy because it's always there (especially in the middle of the night). But, pacifiers can eventually be thrown away. Once teeth start coming in, both the pacifier and to a greater extent the thumbsucking can cause displacement of the teeth and an increase to the arch (roof) of the mouth. Lactation & Feeding Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

Wellness Visits This page coming soon. Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now