Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE)
Nurturing Every Precious Beginning
Welcome to our dedicated page for the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE), an essential component of our comprehensive postnatal care package. At Zita Maria, we prioritise your baby's health and well-being, and the NIPE plays a vital role in laying the foundation for a healthy and thriving start.
Our Expert NIPE Practitioners:
Caring for Your Baby
At Zita Maria, our NIPE examinations are carried out by our highly skilled and experienced practitioners who specialise in NIPE and newborn care. Our team is passionate about ensuring your baby receives the highest level of care and attention during this essential examination. We make the process as gentle, comfortable, and stress-free as possible for both you and your little one.
NIPE Included in Our Postnatal Package
Your Baby's Health is Our Priority
We are proud to include the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) in our postnatal care package. Our skilled and experienced practitioners carry out this thorough assessment within 72 hours of your baby's birth, providing you with peace of mind and ensuring your baby receives the highest level of care and attention.
NIPE as a Stand-Alone Service
Convenience and Care When You Need It​
Understanding that NHS Trusts may not always be able to provide the NIPE at your convenience, we offer this examination as a stand-alone service. Your baby's health is our top priority, and we are dedicated to providing you with timely access to this crucial assessment, even if not covered by your existing care arrangements.
Early Intervention and Repeated Assessments
Safeguarding Your Baby's Health
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While the NIPE is a comprehensive examination, not all health issues or abnormalities can be detected within the first 72 hours of your baby's life.
To ensure continuous monitoring and early intervention, the NIPE is repeated at your GP surgery when your baby reaches 6-8 weeks of age. As our client, we will provide the 6-8 week follow-up assessment as part of our commitment to safeguarding your baby's health and well-being as they grow and develop.
Embrace a Healthier Future
NIPE at Zita Maria
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Our inclusion of the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) in our postnatal care package reflects our dedication to providing comprehensive and thorough care for you and your baby.
Whether as part of our package or a stand-alone service, we are here to support you on this extraordinary journey into parenthood.
The NIPE Experience
A Caring and Informative Journey
During the NIPE examination, our practitioners will communicate with you, explaining each step of the assessment and addressing any questions or concerns you may have. We understand the significance of this examination for you as a parent, and we want to ensure that you feel informed and supported throughout the process.
Contact Us to Learn More and Schedule Your NIPE
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If you have any questions about the NIPE or wish to schedule your baby's examination with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our team is excited to be a part of this special moment in your baby's life and to provide the care, support, and guidance that you and your little one deserve.
What is The Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE)?
Understanding the Importance
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The Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) is a thorough and systematic assessment performed within 72 hours of your baby's birth. This examination is a standard procedure in the UK and is endorsed by healthcare professionals worldwide. It is designed to detect any potential health issues in your newborn and to provide early interventions if necessary.
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The NHS newborn and infant physical examination (NIPE) programme’s main aims are to:
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Identify and refer all children born with congenital abnormalities of the eyes, heart, hips and (in males) testes, where these are detectable, within 72 hours of birth
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To further identify those abnormalities that may become detectable by 6 to 8 weeks of age, at the infant physical examination
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To reduce morbidity and mortality
Our Expert NIPE Practitioners
Caring for Your Baby
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At Zita Maria, our NIPE examinations are carried out by our skilled and experienced practitioners who specialise in newborn care. Our team is passionate about ensuring your baby receives the highest level of care and attention during this essential examination. We ensure the process is as gentle, comfortable, and stress-free as possible for both you and your little one.
What Does NIPE Include? A Comprehensive Assessment
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The NIPE is a comprehensive examination that covers various aspects of your baby's health, including:
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Physical Examination: Assessing your baby's overall physical health, including their head, eyes, ears, heart, lungs, abdomen, hips, and skin.
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Neurological Assessment: Evaluating your baby's reflexes and responses to stimuli, ensuring their nervous system is functioning as it should.
The NIPE Programme
The NIPE programme screens babies (ideally) within 72 hours of birth (NIPE newborn screening examination) and again at 6 to 8 weeks of age (NIPE infant examination) for conditions relating to the:
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Eyes - congenital cataracts
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Heart congenital heart disease
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testes (if applicable) cryptorchidism (undescended testes)
​Your Baby's Health is Our Priority: Early Intervention and Support
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The NIPE is not only about identifying potential health issues but also about providing early intervention if required. Should the examination reveal any concerns, rest assured that our team of healthcare professionals are equipped to provide guidance and support to address any issues promptly and effectively, and to refer accordingly.
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Schedule Your NIPE
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If wish to schedule your baby's examination with us, please click on the link below for online bookings. Alternatively, for more information or to book a home-based NIPE please get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE)
We understand that you may have queries about this essential assessment, and we are here to provide you with clear and informative answers. If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.
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For further information on the NIPE please click here.
1. What is the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE)? The NIPE is a comprehensive and systematic assessment carried out within 72 hours of your baby's birth. It is designed to detect any potential health issues and ensure your baby receives early interventions and support if needed.
2. Is the NIPE included in your postnatal care package? Yes, the NIPE is included in our postnatal care package. We are committed to providing the highest level of care for you and your baby, and the NIPE is an essential part of our comprehensive services.
3. Can I access the NIPE as a stand-alone service? Absolutely. We understand that NHS Trusts may not always be able to provide the NIPE at your convenience. Therefore, we offer the NIPE as a stand-alone service, ensuring timely access to this crucial examination.
4. Can all health issues and abnormalities be detected during the initial NIPE examination? While the NIPE is a thorough assessment, not all health issues or abnormalities may be detected within the first 72 hours of your baby's life. This is why the NIPE is repeated at your GP surgery when your baby is 6-8 weeks old, allowing for continuous monitoring and early intervention if necessary.
5. Who performs the NIPE? Our NIPE examinations are conducted by our skilled and experienced practitioners who specialise in NIPE. Your baby's well-being and comfort are our top priorities during the assessment.
6. What should I expect during the NIPE examination? The NIPE examination is a gentle and systematic assessment of your baby's overall health. Our practitioners will communicate with you throughout the process, explaining each step and addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
7. How do I schedule the NIPE for my baby? To schedule the NIPE for your baby, please get in touch with our team. We will be more than happy to assist you in arranging a convenient appointment.
8. Is the NIPE mandatory? The NIPE is a standard procedure endorsed by healthcare professionals worldwide. While it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to ensure your baby's health and well-being during the early stages of their life.
9. What if the NIPE reveals a health issue? If the NIPE reveals any concerns or health issues, rest assured that we have a team of healthcare professionals ready to provide guidance and support. Early interventions can be crucial in ensuring your baby receives the care they need.
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We hope this FAQ section has addressed your queries about the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE). If you have any further questions or wish to schedule the NIPE for your baby, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to supporting you and your baby's health journey.
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For further information on the NIPE please click here.
"I can't express enough how invaluable it was for us to have the NIPE at home. As a family it was important to be together at home as soon as possible after Amelia's arrival. With the help of this amazing service we were able to bring our baby home as soon as possible after her birth, instead of having to wait until a hospital midwife could do it before discharging us home"
Lotty