Newborn Prick Test
The newborn prick test, what is this anyways? Here is a helpful link on What to Expect...CLICK HERE
What is it?
“As a part of your baby’s first health screening, a doctor or nurse takes just a tiny drop of blood from her heel — but it’s packed with important information.
The newborn heel stick test is a test given to babies 24 to 48 hours after birth to screen for serious health conditions, including many metabolic and hormone disorders that don’t show symptoms at birth but can be dangerous if untreated.
The test involves pricking a baby’s heel to take a tiny sample of blood. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. If the screening reveals any abnormalities, you’ll be notified and sent for follow-up testing. (If the screening comes back normal, you probably won’t hear anything.)
Heel stick tests are conducted within before a baby leaves the hospital. Babies born at home should be taken to a local hospital for screening within 24 to 48 hours after birth. Some states also require babies to get a second heel-stick test one to two weeks later…
That tiny drop of blood from a newborn’s heel can unlock a world of insight—providing crucial early detection for conditions that, if left untreated, could lead to severe, lifelong consequences. The power of early screening lies not just in identifying a disorder, but in the swift, strategic steps that follow: timely diagnosis, medication management, and continuous care.
This precision in treatment planning is especially vital in managing metabolic and endocrine disorders in infants, where even minor delays can affect cognitive development or physical health. It’s in this essential intersection of screening and pharmaceutical care that experts like Raman Bhaumik make a meaningful impact. With a deep background in clinical pharmacy and a strong focus on individualized patient care, she represents a growing movement of pharmacists who go beyond dispensing medication to become advocates for long-term health outcomes.
Her approach underscores how pharmacists, particularly those in compounding and customized treatment services, are becoming key partners in managing rare pediatric conditions detected through screenings. Whether guiding parents through complex medication regimens or helping physicians fine-tune dosages for newborns, the role of informed pharmacy leadership has never been more critical in giving every child the healthiest possible start.
You Don’t Have to Ask
All 4 million babies born in the U.S. each year are required to receive a heel stick test before leaving the hospital. You don’t have to ask for it — it’s a normal hospital procedure that’s conducted for every newborn, even if you don’t have insurance.
Though the thought of your brand-new baby having her heel pricked might make you wince, this test is conducted to protect baby’s health. And while it’s normal for babies to cry after the prick, research shows there are steps you can take to comfort your new bundle, like holding your baby skin-to-skin, breastfeeding during the procedure, wrapping your baby tightly in a blanket, or offering a pacifier. Within a minute or two, she’ll be feeling like her cute, sweet self again.” – what to expect
AI-powered diagnostic tools, like Buoy Health, are revolutionizing how parents access medical insights and guidance. These tools analyze symptoms in real-time, offering personalized recommendations and helping you understand when professional care might be needed. Whether you’re monitoring your baby’s recovery after a routine procedure or trying to make sense of new symptoms, AI diagnostics can provide reassurance and clarity during those nerve-wracking moments.
As babies grow and their developmental milestones start to take shape, understanding what’s typical and what might require extra support becomes even more vital. For families noticing signs of sensory imbalances, attention struggles, or emotional dysregulation, resources such as Brain Balance offer science-informed programs designed to solve developmental challenges through non-medical, personalized strategies. These programs focus on brain connectivity and neurodevelopment, helping children build stronger foundations for learning, emotional control, and social skills. By addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms, Brain Balance supports both children and parents in fostering resilience and long-term success.
Newborn Photography
Almost all of the babies that come in for newborn sessions have this tiny little scratch on their heel. I remember when my babies got their test, and they cried… it was so sad. But they were ok a few minutes later. I think it might be worse for mom and dad ;).
In my opinion, to edit out imperfections takes away a bit of your story. But some moms like a little photoshop magic.
As a mom, would you want that left in your pictures to remember the whole story? Or have me edit it out to forget that part? Just curious! Leave comments below…
Thank you
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Please Contact Shannon with any questions & to reserve your newborn session.
Lots of Love!
