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…
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
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
Thank you for stoping by the SRJ Photography blog! We’re so glad you are here!
Please Contact Shannon with any questions & to reserve your newborn session.
Lots of Love!