From baby to teens and in-betweens
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development. Paediatric check-ups are strongly recommended to screen for medical development issues. This is so that preventative actions can be taken to either stop the development of certain medical conditions or address them quickly to reach a better outcome for the child. Regular visits to monitor your child’s developmental milestones are one of the most important things you can do to keep your child healthy, and at the same time provide you with the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about their progress.
The onsite doctors at Her Medical provide vaccinations at the appropriate ages as well as screening for developmental milestones.
Both parents are encouraged and are welcome to be a part of every baby/child visit.
Urgent Care
When you have concerns for your child’s health but don’t have an appointment, the doctors practicing at Her Medical offer urgent care without an appointment.
Through the years...
Babies and Infants
Babies and Infants
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!
Newborns should have had a routine examination before leaving the hospital but checking in with a GP at 7-10 days of age is recommended.
| Treatment | Consultation |
|---|---|
| 1 Week Newborn Check | This visit will usually include the following:
While parental well-being is essential to us and will be checked during this visit, the visit is focused on your baby. If you have any specific concerns regarding yourself that you’d like to discuss, please make an appointment for yourself as well, so that we have adequate time to fully assess both your baby and yourself. |
| 6 Week Check | At six weeks we catch up again to ensure things are going well and nothing has been missed in the early stage, it is similar to the newborn check-up but will usually include the bub’s first routine immunisations. This check-up may be completed by a private paediatrician if delivery was through a private hospital.
This visit may include the following:
We also encourage postpartum mothers to book in for a check-up at 6 weeks, unless completed by a private obstetrician. This can be done in the same visit, but requires an appointment for both mother and baby, to enable us to complete the necessary checks for you both, as there Is a lot to cover. |
| 4, 6, 12 and 18-Month Check |
|
Dr. Chris Briggs
Dr Paula Hade
Dr Vladana O’Neill
Toddlers
Toddlers
The ‘terrible twos’ (and ‘threes’ and ‘fours’!) can be a challenging time for families as they navigate the rapid development and associated frustrations and tantrums! Her Medical is here to help! An annual check can ensure they are on track with their growth and development and detect any issues early.
| Treatment | Consultation |
|---|---|
| 2 and 3 Years | Common medical issues in these years include ear/nose/throat issues, speech delay, and fussy feeding. Asthma, eczema and hayfever can also often present around this time.
Health checks at these ages include:
|
| 4 Years | Usually, in the year or so before starting their formal schooling, is an excellent opportunity to identify and address any concerns before then. Common issues include fussy feeding, toileting issues including constipation and nighttime wetting, and speech delay.
The 4-year-old health check includes:
|
Primary School Age
Primary School Age
Common issues include nutrition, speech delay, learning and behavioural difficulties.
After commencing their first formal year of schooling is an excellent time to review how they have managed this transition and review their developmental progress as well as growth and general health. This should then be reviewed every 1-2 years, or more often if there are any underlying conditions or concerns.
These visits include:
- Assessment of their general health, including review of medical and illness history, physical activity, nutrition, and sleep
- Assessment of their development – Focusing on gross and fine motor skills, vision, hearing, speech and communication, social/emotional
- Physical examination, including growth/measurements
- Answering any questions you have, and provide advice as required, including referrals if necessary
Teenage Years
Teenage Years
Introduction to woman’s health care
Around the onset of puberty and menstruation (menarche) is a perfect time to introduce young women to managing their health proactively for the long term. Experienced GPs will assess what is relevant to the young person, and provide accurate information and management, in a sensitive, comfortable and supportive environment.
These visits may initially take place with a parent or support person present, but it is common practice for GPs to see adolescent patients alone at least for some of the consultation, as they mature. This is part of the transition for them to manage their own health as they move into adulthood, and also allows them to disclose any issues that they may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about sharing with family members.
Throughout adolescence, Her Medical suggests having a check-up every 1-2 years, which would include the following:
- Assessment of their general health, including review of medical and illness history, physical activity, nutrition, and sleep
- Providing information and advice regarding gynaecological/menstrual health, and assessing for abnormal symptoms, such as heavy or painful periods
- Screening for any mental health concerns
- Physical examination, including growth/measurements (please note that sensitive consultations are rarely required in adolescent patients, and would always be discussed in advance)
- Answering any questions and arranging management of any concerns identified
Well child visits
Prevention is embedded within everything Her Medical does because it promotes healthy growth and development for your child.
For this reason, Her Medical has developed scheduled visits that are recommended for your child to attend, generally around the time of significant developmental milestones in your child’s journey.
These visits also allow parents to raise and discuss any issues of concern regarding their child’s health or development.
The preventative idea is that the onsite doctors do not want to see your child just when they are unwell, but as much as possible to see them when they are well!
Regular check-ups are structured around your child’s progress and focus on:
- General health
- Growth and development
- Assessing existing medical conditions
- Address health concern