Phone Visit
Narrative: SPRUCE MESSAGE VISIT Date: 2026-08-15 Encounter: Spruce text message CC: Newborn weight monitoring and feeding assessment in the early postpartum period. HPI: August ("Gus") is a newborn who was last formally weighed on day three of life at 8 lbs 2.6 oz by a home visitor (Katharine). Parents had not obtained a weight since that visit. On August 15, both parents performed the subtraction weight method and independently obtained 9.0 lbs. On follow-up August 18, parents reported nursing primarily from one side at a time, smaller and less frequent stools, and increased gassiness; shorter, more frequent feeds were trialed the prior day with some improvement. A goopy right eye was also noted, previously evaluated at day 3 by Catherine as a blocked tear duct, appearing exacerbated with crying. Assessment: Dr. Hobbs assessed that the home subtraction weight method was likely reliable and that a weight near 10 lbs was plausible. The gastrointestinal symptoms (gas, decreased stool frequency/volume) and blocked tear duct were noted ahead of an in-person visit the following day. Plan: Parents instructed to use the subtraction weight method rather than purchasing an infant scale. Formal weight and clinical assessment planned for in-person visit on August 19. Shorter, more frequent feeds endorsed for gassiness. Blocked tear duct to be re-evaluated at upcoming visit. Key clinical quotes: "let's have both you and mom do the subtraction weight method, I bet that 10# is close to correct" "you don't need a baby scale likely" "that timing is perfect" Source: Spruce conversation t_2PO2SKK3H5G00