It is normal for new moms to worry about their newborns. Your baby is vulnerable and needs  your protection. However knowing something is not right is the problem. You have to trust your instincts and call your doctor if you feel something is not right. Here are  some areas you have to monitor.

Calling a doctor for your newborn

Unusual crying : If your  baby suddenly starts crying and nothing you do can console her or if her cry is weak or high pitch, she may be seriously sick. You also have to know that if your baby is inactive , difficult to wake up and seems unhappy, you need to call your pediatrician.

Behavior :  If your baby is not her usual playful self and is lethargic, something may be wrong. Call your doctor.

Bowel movement : Breastfed babies usually have soft stool. However if stool is extra watery, the baby has diarrhea. You need to breastfeed or  bottle-fed often to prevent dehydration. You should however be concerned  if the  baby

•  doesnt wet a minimum of 6 diapers a day
• seems lethargic
• stops having bowel movement or has small, hard or dry stools
• stools has mucus or blood
• stool is the consistency of a jelly

Appetite : If your  baby loses interest in feeding or tires easily from suckling, she may be sick. You also have to be concerned  if your baby is spitting up more than usual or with more effort.  You  have to call your doctor if the spit up is greenish.

Breathing problems : Call your pediatrician immediately if your child is having trouble breathing or is not breathing at all.

Fever : A baby may  have a low grade fever and be very sick or have high fever and be mildly sick. A baby under 3 months with a fever of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher should be examined.

If an older baby has a fever but looks okay, monitor the baby to see if other symptoms such as the following occur

• earache
• cough
• loss of apetite
• sleepiness
• unusual fussiness
• vomiting
• diarrhea

If any of these symptoms accompany the fever, call the doctor. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is also essential to  always check with your doctor.