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From the first moment that a newborn is placed into your arms, the amount of newfound love and responsibility can feel overwhelming for a parent. There is no miracle like the first time your eyes meet your child's. However, despite this new love affair, infants are highly vulnerable during this time and it is important for each parent to stay aware of the examinations , immunizations and treatment that their child will receive in the hospital and in subsequent doctor visits. Babies receive immunizations, eye exams, hearing exams and all sorts of other treatments while in the hospital, after birth. Do you know all of the things your baby will be exposed to? Do you want to be there when your baby receives an injection or when they have a hearing test? Ask doctors and nurses what they are doing anytime they touch your baby. And don't forget to ask about the amount in each dosage that is administered to your child and whether the dosage is relative to the baby's weight. Ask how many units are in the specific injection your child will be receiving. Just ask what they are doing, not in an accusatory way, but in an educational manner. Be curious! The more questions you ask, the less of a chance there will be for an accident to occur (see the tragic story about Dennis Quaid's new twin babies).
As you can see, it is vital that all parents read about what to expect at each doctor appointment, so you will know if something is missed or incorrect. In turn, if your child is receiving care that is not typical, you will know to ask why. If your child will be receiving an immunization, read up on what conditions the immunization prevents and the risks associated with the injection. Children have died due to reactions from immunizations, but many more children would die if they were not immunized and caught a preventible disease.
You do have a say in the matter, so wouldn't you like to know what your child could experience, just in case he or she is one of those lucky few who has a severe reaction? Before any doctor visit, parents should make a list of questions (no more than 5) to discuss with the doctor. Bring a notepad and take notes during the appointment to refer back to if need be. This is important because you will understand your child's health more thoroughly and have a record that will help you in the future if you can't remember specific details. Overall, it is important for parents who want to make responsible decisions for their families to stay informed about any treatment their child receives. Ask questions when you don't understand something that a doctor or nurse is doing (or in the future, a teacher or principal). Remember to be respectful and not too pushy, but stay educated, protective and involved until your child is an adult. People make mistakes, including doctors and nurses, but if you stay involved in the medical care of your family, the margin for error can probably be significantly reduced. So, go get your note pad and write down those questions ! When your child reaches the tween years, keep asking questions! Ask the questions that show you are interested in what your child is doing, while being respectful and not too pushy, but stay educated, protective and involved until your child is an adult. (Sound familiar?) 
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Communication 
