Newborn Care Doctor in Newport News, VA

If you have a newborn (especially under three months old) with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, it is always a reason for concern. Newborns have developing immune systems and can become seriously ill very quickly—even from what might seem like a minor infection.

If your newborn develops a fever, please contact Oyster Point Family Practice immediately. Do not give any medication or try to treat the fever at home unless one of our healthcare providers advises you to do so.

In addition to a fever, urgent medical evaluation is needed if your baby:

• Is difficult to wake or seems unusually sleepy
• Is extremely irritable or inconsolable
• Has trouble breathing
• Is feeding poorly or refusing to feed
• Shows signs of dehydration, such as having fewer wet diapers than usual

Even if your newborn otherwise seems well, any fever at this age should be taken seriously. If your baby is under two months old and has a fever, please call us right away, or, if our office is closed, go to the nearest emergency department.

While you wait for medical evaluation:

• Keep your baby comfortably dressed—avoid overdressing or chilling.
• Do not use cold baths or ice packs.
• Continue to feed your baby as usual unless advised otherwise by our team.

Caring for your newborn can come with many questions and concerns. One common issue parents notice is nasal congestion in their babies, especially during the first few weeks of life. This is usually normal—newborns have tiny nasal passages that can easily become clogged with mucus. You might observe mild, noisy breathing, occasional sneezing, and clear or slightly milky nasal discharge. These symptoms are often most noticeable when your baby is lying down and typically do not interfere with feeding, breathing, or sleeping.

However, it’s important to recognize when congestion could be a sign of something more serious. If your baby’s congestion is accompanied by difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, wheezing, grunting, flaring nostrils, bluish lips or skin, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness, these could indicate a respiratory infection or another medical issue. Thick, yellow or green nasal discharge—especially if your baby also has a fever—may require prompt medical attention.

Recognizing the early signs of illness in a newborn is crucial, as babies can become seriously ill very quickly. Our team is here to support you—if you notice any of the following warning signs, please contact Oyster Point Family Practice right away or seek emergency care:

• Breathing Problems: Watch for rapid, labored, or noisy breathing, pauses in breathing (apnea), or a bluish color around the lips, tongue, or face (cyanosis). These are urgent signals that need immediate attention.
• Temperature Concerns: A persistent high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), a rectal temperature below 97.7°F (36.5°C), or if your baby feels unusually cold could indicate a serious infection.
• Feeding Issues: Poor feeding, refusing to eat, a weak suck, persistent vomiting, or green-colored vomit are all concerning signs.
• Behavior Changes: Excessive sleepiness, difficulty waking your baby, extreme irritability, or inconsolable crying should not be ignored.
• Jaundice: If you notice yellowing of your baby’s skin or eyes within the first 24 hours or spreading rapidly, please reach out to us.
• Other Warning Signs: Seizures, unusual jerking movements, a bulging or sunken soft spot on the head, fewer wet diapers than usual, or blood in the stool or vomit require prompt evaluation.

At Oyster Point Family Practice, we understand that welcoming a new baby is both exciting and challenging. Our team of experienced family physicians is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way as you navigate the early stages of your child’s life.

Our providers are trained to care for patients of all ages, including newborns. During well-baby visits, we closely monitor your infant’s growth and development, provide personalized advice on feeding (breastfeeding or formula), and counsel you on establishing healthy sleep routines and safe sleep practices. We also ensure your baby stays on track with immunizations and preventive care.

We know that newborn care is about more than just physical health. At Oyster Point Family Practice, we’re here to answer your questions about infant behavior, soothing techniques, and normal developmental milestones. If you ever have concerns about issues like fever, rashes, or feeding difficulties, our team offers clear guidance on when to seek medical attention.

Choosing Oyster Point Family Practice for your newborn’s care means entrusting your child’s health to a compassionate, experienced medical team led by Dr. Thomas N. Robeson, MD. As a board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Robeson is uniquely trained to care for newborns, infants, and children as they grow, ensuring your family receives comprehensive and continuous care in one trusted location.

We emphasize preventive care, early screenings, and parental education—empowering you to feel confident and well-informed about your baby’s health from the very first visit. Our state-of-the-art facilities support a full range of newborn services, including routine check-ups, immunizations, developmental assessments, and guidance on feeding, sleep, and safety.

Dr. Robeson and our dedicated healthcare team take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions thoroughly, and provide personalized advice that fits your family’s needs. We are committed to building lasting relationships with our patients, ensuring open communication and support every step of the way.

Should your newborn require specialized care, Dr. Robeson collaborates closely with trusted pediatric specialists to coordinate the best possible outcomes. By choosing Oyster Point Family Practice, your family will have a reliable partner in your child’s health—focused on a healthy start and ongoing support throughout early childhood and beyond. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 704 Thimble Shoals Blvd Suite 700, Newport News, VA 23606. We serve patients from Newport News VA, Grafton VA, Hampton VA, Poquoson VA, Seaford VA, Carrollton VA, and surrounding areas.