Bringing home your newborn for the first time is an exciting and daunting period of life. The changes and responsibilities a baby requires can be overwhelming for new parents. But partnering with a great pediatrician can help. They can do more than just treat childhood illness; they’re here to help through all the stages of your child’s development.
To quickly get you and baby set up for success, we asked four pediatricians at Lexington Clinic Pediatrics and Pediatric & Adolescent Associates (PAA), a Part of Lexington Clinic, for their top suggestions for new parents.
“Don’t forget to take time for yourself,” advises PAA’s Dr. Catherine Hieronymus. “Sleep when you can. Accept help when available, but also do not be afraid to set boundaries with family and friends if needed.”
That’s in line with guidance from Lexington Clinic pediatrician Dr. Kristin Weeks. “Set up healthy habits as early as possible: this includes quality time with your child daily, a consistent sleep routine, limiting screen time, healthy foods and time outdoors. This also involves modeling healthy habits as adults, including exercise and time for relaxation. Parents need to stay strong and be consistent with rules and limits as much as possible. They are often tempted to say “yes” to everything their child wants, but data shows having consistent limits for your children benefits them throughout their lives.”
Dr. Leticia Dirks with PAA says advice from friends and family can help, but each child needs his or her own appropriate guidance. She says nothing can replace personalized medical guidance. “When questions come up—or when something you hear or read doesn’t quite sit right—your pediatrician is a trusted place to turn. You don’t need to know everything; every new parent is learning as they go. You just need reliable information, a few trusted sources, and a care team you feel comfortable reaching out to.”
Dr. Hieronymus reminds parents that since you spend the most time with your child, no one else knows him or her like you do. “You know your baby best, so always trust your instincts if something doesn’t seem right.”
Taking care of a baby can lead to sleep deprivation, which among other things, can make it hard to remember questions you have for your pediatrician. That’s why Dr. Agata Toborek recommends you write it down in the moment. “Make a list of questions on your phone as they come up and bring them to your visit. It’s normal and expected for new parents to have lots of questions, and we are here to help!”
About the Authors
Leticia B. Dirks, MD, FAAP
Dr. Leticia Dirks is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She grew up in Richmond, KY, but fell in love with Lexington during her time at the University of Kentucky. She went on to complete her medical training in Louisville at the University of Louisville and Norton Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Dirks provides services in general pediatrics, including immunizations, well-child checkups, sports physicals, and visits for acute and chronic illnesses. She is also a certified lactation consultant and enjoys spending extra time with new parents during lactation counseling visits.
Dr. Dirks can be reached at (859) 277-6102.
Catherine A. Hieronymus, DO, FAAP
Dr. Catherine A. Hieronymus is a proud native of eastern Kentucky. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Kentucky in 2010 and graduated from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Kentucky in 2014. Dr. Hieronymus then completed her residency in Pediatrics at the University of Kentucky in 2017, followed by completion of her fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology from Indiana University.
She is board certified in Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Prior to joining PAA in 2022, Dr. Hieronymus served at a federally-qualified health center in Lexington for four years. Dr. Hieronymus is a dedicated pediatrician providing services in general pediatrics inclusive of well-child checkups, sports physicals, and visits for acute and chronic illnesses for children of all ages.
Dr. Catherine A. Hieronymus can be reached at (859) 277-6102.
Agata M. Toborek, MD
Dr. Toborek is board-certified in pediatrics. She cares for patients from birth until they are young adults including well-child checkups, sports physicals, and visits for acute and chronic illnesses. Her special interests include breastfeeding, ADHD, and adolescent medicine.
Dr. Toborek can be reached at (859) 258-5141.
Kristin Allison Weeks, MD
Dr. Kristin Weeks is a dedicated physician who provides services in general pediatrics. She offers well-child checkups, sports physical, and visits for acute and chronic illnesses for children of all ages. Dr. Weeks’ professional interests include general pediatrics and helping patients overcome anxiety and eating disorders.
Dr. Weeks can be reached at (859) 258-8600.
