expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Shadi Malaeb, M.D.

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Shadi Malaeb is a Neonatal-Perinatal physician practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Malaeb cares for critically ill newborns and premature infants. Neonatal-Perinatal physicians treat conditions such as breathing disorders, birth defects, infections, and any other life-threatening medical problems. They coordinate with their young patient's families and other physicians to determine the appropriate treatment.
25 years Experience
Dr. Shadi Malaeb, M.D.
Specializes in:
  • Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Specialist
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

How popular are water births?

No, none. I have seen risks and problems as a result of under water birth and aspiration by the baby. I would not recommend water birth at all, and I would defintely suggest to READ MORE
No, none. I have seen risks and problems as a result of under water birth and aspiration by the baby. I would not recommend water birth at all, and I would defintely suggest to deliver at a birthing center or a hopsital. Some hospitals allow more natural birthing expereinces than traditional. Discuss with your doctor or midwife about option near where you live.

Is it safe for me to give my baby extracted breast milk?

You can safely freeze breastmilk for months.

My baby snores in sleep. Is it normal?

Check with your pediatrician to make sure he dose not have very large tonsils or adenoids.

How long is a preterm baby kept in the NICU?

It depends on how sick the baby is, and how well she is growing and developing. Some babies spend months in the NICU.

My baby sleeps for over 12 hours in a day. Is it normal?

Some babies seep more than 14 hours a day, but not all in one stretch. He should wake up and feed every 3-4 hours or more often than that.

My 1 month old baby has a cold and the doctor has given antibiotics. Is it safe?

Nothing is without risk. It is about balancing the risk of antibiotics if the baby did not need them, compared to the risk of the infection getting worse without the antibiotic. READ MORE
Nothing is without risk. It is about balancing the risk of antibiotics if the baby did not need them, compared to the risk of the infection getting worse without the antibiotic. Best is to keep antibiotic duration to the minimum, and to exclude any infection that needs antibiotics.

What are the signs of dehydration in a newborn?

Breastmilk is the best hydration for babies. you should use milk instead of plain water. If baby is thirsty or hungry she will drink milk. She should make urine at least 3-4 times READ MORE
Breastmilk is the best hydration for babies. you should use milk instead of plain water. If baby is thirsty or hungry she will drink milk.
She should make urine at least 3-4 times a day, and be active and alert, and wake up normally to feed, and look vigorous and strong. If concerns have her checked by her pediatrician sooner than later.

How should I increase my baby's weight?

Sometimes supplementing breastmilk with preterm formula for added calories may help improve catch-up growth. Also, there are many baby foods and cereals and multivitamins with READ MORE
Sometimes supplementing breastmilk with preterm formula for added calories may help improve catch-up growth. Also, there are many baby foods and cereals and multivitamins with iron you can give to boost nutrition. Best is to discuss your concerns with the pediatrician. His weight need to be compared based on his corrected age for prematurity. He may be just fine for his corrected age.

What are the multivitamins to be given to a 6 weeks old baby?

There are many formulas available with multivitamins and iron, alone or separate. Best to talk to your pediatrician or to your local pharmacist to see what they have.

What are the treatment options for my babies heart disorder?

The options vary depending on how well the baby is doing, and the nature of the conditions. They can range from simply regular care to diuretics, heart medicines, interventional READ MORE
The options vary depending on how well the baby is doing, and the nature of the conditions. They can range from simply regular care to diuretics, heart medicines, interventional procedures, or surgeries in some cases.

My baby is constipated for a week. What can I do?

Breast milk is the best natural remedy.

Is neonatal lupus common?

Not common, about 1 in 20,000.

Can a baby survive if born at 6 months?

There is chance for survival at 24 weeks, however, with significant risk for short-term and long-term major problems. Talk to your doctor and neonatal specialist about your specific READ MORE
There is chance for survival at 24 weeks, however, with significant risk for short-term and long-term major problems. Talk to your doctor and neonatal specialist about your specific situation.

My baby is 7 months old and is not gaining weight. What can I do?

I recommend you have him checked by his pediatrician.

My son is 1 year and detected with pneumonia. is it serious?

Hello, I am sorry to learn that your baby has been diagnosed with pneumonia. Usually with treatment and breathing support as needed infants can recover well, but it can take time. READ MORE
Hello, I am sorry to learn that your baby has been diagnosed with pneumonia. Usually with treatment and breathing support as needed infants can recover well, but it can take time. However, sometimes, the pneumonia could progress and become more serious. Please follow with your pediatrician's advice about what is best for the baby. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Why does my baby have so much sticky substance coming out of her eyes?

Could be a narrow tear duct or other cause. Please check with your pediatrician to see how her eye looks.

My sister's baby has been admitted in the NICU because of shortness of breath. Is this normal for newborns?

About 10%-15% of babies have breathing problems, sometimes mild, and other times more serious. It depends on the specific condition.

We are planning my wife’s delivery at 37 weeks. Is it risky?

Hello,

Cord around the neck can be risky to the baby. I recommend you follow with your obstetrician's advice for the best for the mother and baby.