As an Oklahoma City newborn photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing those first sweet days after a baby arrives. The time when everything feels surreal and precious and new. In those early hours, there’s so much love. And, let’s be honest, there are a whole lot of unknowns, too. That’s why I always feel grateful knowing newborn screening in Oklahoma is quietly working behind the scenes to protect our tiniest residents from the start. These simple yet powerful tests check for rare but serious conditions that often show no symptoms right away, giving families a chance to seek treatment before problems arise. It’s one of those things that many parents don’t think about until they need it—but it’s there, making a difference every single day.
I’ve seen firsthand how early intervention can change the course of a child’s life, allowing them to grow and thrive. Knowing that this kind of support is in place brings comfort and peace to the families I photograph. And while every newborn session is unique, there’s always one common thread: the deep hope parents have for their child’s future. Newborn screening helps keep that hope alive.
About the Program For Newborn Screening In Oklahoma
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave, OKC, OK 73102
The Oklahoma Newborn Screening Program is a statewide initiative run by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. It’s designed to detect rare but serious conditions in newborns before symptoms ever appear. Most parents don’t even realize these screenings have happened—they’re so seamless—but they have the power to change lives.
The program is built to serve every newborn in Oklahoma, no matter where they’re born—from hospitals to home births to birth centers. It’s not something extra you have to request; it’s already included in your baby’s care.
Services
Newborn screening in Oklahoma includes three major tests. First, there’s a simple blood test that checks for more than 50 medical conditions—many of which aren’t visible at birth but could be life-threatening if not treated early. The heel-prick is quick and gentle, and the results can lead to life-saving interventions.
Second, your baby will receive a hearing screening. Detecting hearing loss early can make a huge difference in language development and learning down the road. Lastly, they perform a pulse oximetry screening, which measures oxygen levels and helps catch critical congenital heart defects. These tests work together to give your baby the best possible start—quietly, quickly, and painlessly.
Specialty
What I really love about this program is that it doesn’t stop at the test. If something is flagged, the system is already in place to help connect you to the resources and care your baby might need. From referrals to specialists to follow-up testing and education, they’re not just diagnosing—they’re guiding.
They also work hard to make sure every baby in Oklahoma has access to screening, no matter their birth setting. For parents choosing out-of-hospital births, this kind of inclusive care can be such a relief.
You Will Be So Grateful For An Expert Newborn Screening In Oklahoma
I know how much goes into preparing for a baby. There are registries and nursery plans and hospital bags to pack—but sometimes, it’s the things happening quietly in the background that make the biggest difference. Newborn screening in Oklahoma is one of those things. It brings peace of mind when everything else feels a little overwhelming.
And as an Oklahoma City newborn photographer, when you’re ready to slow down and capture those precious newborn moments—those sleepy stretches, tiny fingers, and the way your whole world fits in your arms—I’d be honored to document it. Let’s preserve your beautiful beginning together!
