Newborn Onboarding
Though not exhaustive, the following audio is a comprehensive summary of the seven steps below.
Your Newborn’s First Months
The first few months are critical for establishing a stable path for your baby’s health. Our standard in-person schedule for newborns is as follows:
- First 2 Weeks of Life: 1–2 in-person visits.
- 1 Month & 2 Months: Comprehensive check-ups.
- Ongoing Care: Once we are confident that you and your little one are on a steady path, we will transition to visits every 2–3 months.
Please remember that these are just the scheduled in-person milestones. I am always only a text or phone call away. If your baby needs an extra visit in between these markers, we will absolutely make that happen.
Empowering You Beyond the Search Engine
One of my primary goals is to empower you to make informed decisions with total confidence. You will be added to our exclusive mailing list, giving you first access to the educational materials we produce.
I want our partnership to be so strong that you never feel the need to turn to Google or online forums for advice. While often well-intentioned, those sources don’t know your child. I bring a wealth of medical knowledge and clinical experience that is constantly evolving, and most importantly, I know your infant.
A Few Logistics
- Privacy First: All patient-related communications must take place via our HIPAA-protected app. The privacy and security of your child’s health information is my top priority.
- Home Visits: For our in-home appointments, I kindly ask that all pets are securely put away before I arrive. This allows us to maintain a sterile environment and keep our full focus on your infant.
Thank you for trusting me with your most precious gift. I look forward to watching your “rising star” grow and thrive.
Warmly,
Marie Jean-Baptiste, DO, MS Bioethics
Founder, Rising Star Pediatrics
Helping us make the most of our time together.
This checklist is designed to take the “brain fog” out of preparing for our visit. As a mom of two, I know that even the simplest tasks can feel monumental during those first few weeks!
My goal for our home visits is to create a calm, focused environment where we can dive deep into your baby’s wellness without the stress of a traditional waiting room.
1. The Environment
- A Well-Lit Space: Please choose a room with good natural light or bright overhead lighting so I can clearly assess your baby’s skin tone and physical features.
- Warmth is Key: Newborns lose heat quickly during exams. Please ensure the room is comfortably warm (around 22–24°C or 72–75°F).
- A Flat Surface: A changing table, a firm bed, or even a clean area on the floor works perfectly for the physical exam.
2. Preparing Your Little One
- Feeding Timing: If possible, try to feed your baby about 30–45 minutes before I arrive. We want them “fat and happy”—not starving and crying, but also not so full that they might spit up during the physical exam.
- Easy Access Clothing: Please have your baby in a simple “onesie” or a sleeper that zips or snaps easily. I will need to undress them down to the diaper for a full head-to-toe check.
- Diaper Supplies: Have a fresh diaper and wipes nearby. I’ll often wait to put a new diaper on until after the exam is complete.
3. Information & Logistics
- The “Paperwork”: Have your discharge papers from the hospital or birth center handy.
- Tracking Logs: If you are using an app or a paper log to track feedings, wet diapers, or sleep, please have that ready to review.
- Your Questions: Write down any questions that have popped up since we last spoke. No question is too small!
- Pet Safety: As a reminder, please ensure all furry family members are securely tucked away in another room or a crate before I arrive. This ensures I can focus 100% of my attention on your infant.
4. Communication
- The App: If anything urgent changes (like a sudden fever or a change in feeding) before I arrive, please message me immediately through our HIPAA-protected app.
I am so looking forward to seeing how much your little one has changed since our last chat! See you soon.
This guide is designed to help you cut through the noise of the “baby aisle” at the pharmacy. As a mom, I know how overwhelming those shelves can be. As your doctor, I want you to have a toolkit that aligns with our holistic and integrative approach—focusing on supporting the body’s natural functions rather than just masking symptoms.
Here is your Rising Star Newborn Wellness Kit. These are the essentials I recommend having on hand from day one.
1. Respiratory & Congestion Support
Newborns are “obligate nose breathers,” meaning they don’t quite know how to breathe through their mouths yet. A tiny bit of congestion can sound loud!
- Saline Drops/Spray: Look for “Drug-Free” and “Preservative-Free” (just purified water and sodium chloride). This is the best way to thin mucus.
- Nasal Aspirator: A manual suction tool (like the NoseFrida) is often more effective and gentler than the old-fashioned blue bulbs. (I promise, you are not swallowing any of those boogers!)
- Cool Mist Humidifier: Essential for keeping the air moist, especially in winter months, to support clear airways.
2. Skin & Barrier Protection
A newborn’s skin is incredibly absorbent. We want to avoid synthetic fragrances, parabens, and dyes.
- Organic Calendula Salve: This is my “magic” recommendation for diaper rash or dry patches. Calendula is a natural anti-inflammatory that supports skin healing.
- Coconut Oil or Shea Butter: Simple, edible-grade fats are often the best moisturizers for “cradle cap” or peeling newborn skin.
- Zinc Oxide Cream: For a true diaper rash, a 40% zinc oxide cream (fragrance-free) creates the best physical barrier.
3. Digestion & Immune Foundations
- Vitamin D3 Drops: Essential for breastfed babies to support bone health and immune function. Look for brands that use an olive oil or coconut oil base without added sugars.
- Infant Probiotics: An integrative staple. Introducing beneficial bacteria (like B. infantis) early on supports gut health and can help with fussiness and gas.
- One of my favorite brands, Biogaia, has a combination of probiotics and Vitamin D in the recommended amount
- Gas Relief (Simethicone) vs. Gripe Water: While I prefer movement and massage for gas, keep a dye-free simethicone on hand for those tough nights. If choosing to use Gripe Water, ensure it is alcohol-free and charcoal-free.
4. Monitoring & Comfort
- Digital Rectal Thermometer: For an infant under 3 months, a rectal temperature is the only medically accurate measurement.
- Note: A “fever” in a newborn is 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. If you see this number, stop and message me immediately via the app.
- Coconut or Lavender Oil (Diluted): For a gentle infant massage to promote sleep and bonding—one of the best “medicines” there is!
Dr. Marie’s Pro-Tip: The “Wait and See” Approach
Before reaching for a remedy, I often encourage parents to try Skin-to-Skin (Kangaroo Care). It regulates the baby’s heart rate, temperature, and stress hormones naturally.
Remember: If you are unsure about a product you’ve seen online or a gift you’ve received, don’t search for the answer on a blog. Take a photo of the ingredients and send it to me in our HIPAA-protected app. I am here to be your filter!
Welcome to Rising Star Pediatrics! To provide the high-touch, individualized care that defines our practice, I need to understand your child’s full health history. Think of your child’s medical record as the “story” of their wellness so far—I want to read every chapter.
Why Complete Records Matter
In a concierge model, we don’t just look at the current symptoms; we look at the whole picture. Having your previous records allows me to:
- Understand growth trends and developmental milestones.
- Review past laboratory results and specialist consultations.
- Ensure your child’s immunization record is up-to-date in our secure system.
- Avoid duplicating tests that have already been performed.
How to Initiate the Transfer
Most practices require a signed Medical Records Release Form to share information. Here is the most efficient way to handle this:
1. Contact Your Previous Pediatrician: Call your former office and ask for their specific “Medical Records Release” process.
2. Request “Comprehensive” Records: Specifically ask for the entire chart, including:
• Immunization records.
• Last 3 years of well-child visits.
• Specialist reports (if applicable).
• Recent lab work or imaging (X-rays, etc.).
3. Provide Our Information:
• Practice Name: Rising Star Pediatrics
• Physician: Marie Jean-Baptiste, DO
• Secure Delivery: Please ask them to provide the records to you digitally or send them via our HIPAA-protected secure fax at 561 916 0414
A Note on Privacy
Your child’s privacy is my priority. Once received, these records are uploaded into our HIPAA-compliant Electronic Medical Record (EMR). We do not use standard email for medical documents; please always use our protected app or secure portal for sharing sensitive information.
“Dr. Marie’s” Tip for a Smooth Transition
If your child has a complex medical history or is currently seeing specialists, please let me know via the app as soon as the records are sent. This allows me to review the “wealth of knowledge” from your previous providers before our first comprehensive visit, ensuring our time together is spent focusing on the future, not just catching up on the past.
Questions? If you run into any hurdles with your previous office, please message me in the app. I am here to help navigate the logistics so we can get back to focusing on your child!
At Rising Star Pediatrics, our wellness visits are the cornerstone of our practice. They are not just “check-ups” but opportunities for deep education, prevention, and strengthening the partnership between my family and yours. In our concierge model, these visits are never rushed, allowing us to discuss nutrition, development, and emotional well-being in a holistic way.
The First Two Years (The Foundation)
The first 24 months involve rapid growth and development. We see our littlest patients frequently to ensure a stable path:
- Newborn Phase: 1-2 times in the first week, then at 1 month.
- Infancy: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 9 months.
- Toddlerhood: 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
The Preschool & School Years (Growth & Resilience)
Once your child is two, we shift to an annual rhythm, though my door is always open for interim support:
- Ages 3 to 10: Annual Comprehensive Wellness Visits.
- Focus: Nutrition, social integration, physical activity, and supporting the body’s natural immunity as they enter school environments.
- Mid-Year Check-In: In addition to the annual physical, I like to check in mid-year to see how things are going. This allows us to review the progress of the “Plan of Action” we created during the annual visit and make any necessary adjustments as your child grows and circumstances change.
The Adolescent Years (Independence & Health Ownership)
As your child grows into a young adult, our focus shifts toward empowering them to take ownership of their own health:
- Ages 11 to 21: Annual Comprehensive Wellness Visits.
- Focus: Mental health, hormonal balance, academic stress management, and transition to adult care.
- • Mid-Year Check-In: In addition to the annual physical, I like to check in mid-year to see how things are going. This allows us to review the progress of the “Plan of Action” we created during the annual visit and make any necessary adjustments as your child grows and circumstances change.
What to Expect at Every Visit
- Integrative Assessment: We look at the “whole child,” including sleep, gut health, and environment.
- Evidence-Based Guidance: Applying the latest medical research to your child’s unique biology.
- Unrushed Conversation: Time for every question you (or your child) may have.
- Technology Integration: We will use our HIPAA-protected app to share educational materials specifically curated for your child’s age group following the visit.
Note: This schedule refers to our scheduled in-person wellness milestones. Remember, as a membership family, Dr. Marie is always just a text, call, or video chat away for anything that arises between these visits.
Your Roadmap for Nights, Weekends, and Holidays.
This is a vital piece of the puzzle. In a concierge model, “after hours” doesn’t mean “closed”—it means shifting to a different mode of support. As a parent, I know that 2:00 AM is usually when the questions feel the heaviest.
The goal of this guide is to provide families with a clear protocol so they feel safe, while also maintaining the professional boundaries that allow me to be the best doctor for your child during the day.
One of the greatest benefits of our membership model is that you are never left to navigate a medical concern alone. However, to ensure the highest quality of care, we categorize after-hours needs into three levels.
1. Routine Questions (Non-Urgent)
- Examples: Feeding schedules, mild diaper rash, sleep habits, or non-urgent medication refills.
- Protocol: Please send these via our HIPAA-protected app.
- Response Time: I review these during the next business day.
2. Urgent Concerns (The “I’m Worried” Moments)
- Examples: A new rash, mild cough, unusual fussiness, or a minor injury.
- Protocol: Send a detailed message via the HIPAA-protected app AND include a photo or short video clip if applicable. Seeing your baby’s breathing or skin often tells me more than words can!
- Response Time: I monitor the app for urgent flags and will respond as quickly as possible.
3. Immediate Medical Needs (The Red Flags)
If your baby experiences any of the following, please call my direct clinical line immediately (provided in your welcome packet) rather than using the app.
Call me immediately if your infant (under 3 months) has:
- A Rectal Fever: 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
- Respiratory Distress: Working hard to breathe, nostrils flaring, or skin pulling in around the ribs (retractions).
- Dehydration: Fewer than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours or a very dry mouth.
- Lethargy: If the baby is difficult to wake up for feedings or seems unusually limp.
🏥 When to Go Directly to the ER
While I am always your first point of contact, in a true life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Pediatric Emergency Room immediately. These include:
- Seizures.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Severe physical trauma.
- Turning blue or stopping breathing.
A Note on “Google vs. Dr. Marie”
It is very tempting to jump on a parents’ forum at 3:00 AM. I ask that you resist the urge. Those platforms often escalate anxiety by providing “worst-case scenarios” that likely don’t apply to your child.
I know your baby’s history, your family’s values, and the current viruses circulating in our community. If you are worried enough to search the internet, you are worried enough to message me. Let me be your filter so you can get back to sleep.
Pediatric Emergency Rooms around the County
While the closest ER is often the right answer, should you need a pediatric specific ER, here are the ones available in the area
- Palms West Hospital (Wellington): for the western communities
- Palm Beach Children Hospital/ St Mary’s (West Palm Beach) : more centrally located
- Jupiter Medical Center (closing its inpatient pediatric unit in April 2026)
- West Boca Medical Center
- Tradition (in Port Saint Lucie, if you happen to be in the area)
While there is a lot of noise in online forums about which hospital is worse, having worked at several of those and currently maintaining excellent rapport with former colleagues in most of these institutions, I can assure you that these hospitals have clinicians that are well trained to care for your child. In addition, I am fortunate to know the ins and outs of these institutions and I will be there to guide you in the choice to make depending on the situation at hand
Finally, please keep the following number handy : Poison control 1 800 822 2222. This center is opened 24/7 and has toxicologists on board ready to guide you about any and all exposures
To kick things off, I want to share a few core principles we will focus on during these first few weeks of your baby’s life.
1. The “Fourth Trimester” & The Body’s Natural Wisdom
The first three months are often called the “Fourth Trimester.” Your baby is transitioning from a perfectly controlled environment to a world of light, sound, and digestion.
- The Holistic View: We don’t just look at weight gain; we look at how your baby is integrating into your family rhythm.
- Trust the Process: I strongly believe in the body’s ability to thrive when supported by a healthy environment. We will focus on optimizing sleep, nutrition, and skin-to-skin contact to help your baby’s nervous system settle.
2. Evidence-Based, Not “Internet-Based”
There is a massive amount of “parenting advice” online that is well-intentioned but lacks clinical depth.
- My Commitment: I bring years of medical training and ongoing experience to our visits.
- The Filter: When you read something online that makes you anxious, stop. Send me a message in our HIPAA-protected app instead. My advice is tailored specifically to your infant’s medical history and your family’s unique needs.
3. Setting the Stage for Wellness
True healthcare is about prevention, not just reacting to a fever. Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing:
- Immune Support: How we can naturally support your baby’s developing immune system.
- Developmental Milestones: What to look for beyond the standard checklists.
- Parental Wellness: Your health and mental well-being are just as important to your baby’s success as their own health is.
A Quick Reminder for Our First Visit
As we prepare for our upcoming in-person visit, please remember:
- The App is Key: For any questions before we meet, please use our secure app. This keeps your child’s data private and organized.
- Pet Safety: If we are meeting at your home, please ensure pets are in a separate room so we can focus entirely on your new addition.
I can’t wait to see you and the baby soon!
Warmly,
Dr. Marie Jean-Baptiste
Rising Star Pediatrics
