Family doctors provide reassurance to parents with newborns

YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR: INFANCY

AMA Family Doctor Week 16-22 July 2012

On Day Two of Family Doctor Week 2012, AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that family doctors play a vital role in assisting parents to manage the many challenges that a new baby brings.

Dr Hambleton said that having a baby is one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences for parents, but it can also be a testing time for the health, patience and relationship of the parents.

“It is important to keep a close eye on the health and development of the child, but the parents must not neglect their own wellbeing,” Dr Hambleton said.

“Sleepless nights are common, along with worry, anxiety, and stress.

“Family doctors are here to reassure parents that they are doing a good job and to make sure that babies are getting the best start to life.

“Family doctors not only monitor that the child is getting all the medical care they need but they also ensure that the parents are looking after themselves, mentally and physically.

“The family doctor will make sure the infant is putting on weight and meeting milestones while providing parents with advice on how to cope with lack of sleep and other pressures.”

You can view Dr Hambleton’s YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR: INFANCY message at http://youtu.be/Ef6Fi2ePb-s

Family Doctor Week is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of the nation’s family doctors – the GPs who serve local communities in the cities, the suburbs, rural centres, country towns, and remote areas of Australia.

This year, the theme is Family Doctor Week: For a Lifetime of Trusted Care.

Each day this week, the AMA will focus on a stage of life and the key role that family doctors play in helping their patients throughout that stage.

17 July 2012

CONTACT:         Kirsty Waterford                  02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753