
Dr. Michael L. Spear, MD
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Specialist | Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
245 N 15th St Philadelphia PA, 19102About
Dr. Michael Spear is a Neonatal-Perinatal Physician practicing in Newark, DE. Dr. Spear cares for the critically ill newborn 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 patients families and other physicians to determine appropriate treatment.
Board Certification
PediatricsAmerican Board of PediatricsABP
Provider Details

Dr. Michael L. Spear, MD's Expert Contributions
Is neonatal lupus common?
neonatal lupus is not very common. It can often be temporary , in a baby born to a mother with lupus, due to transfer of blood producs across the placenta to the fetus. If transient, it only last a few weeks. So if you cousin is still that young it might be temporary. If your cousin is older, it's lupus READ MORE
Can a baby survive if born at 6 months?
You should have a consult with a neonatologist to answer this question in detail. Survival is based on many factors Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
Are all congenital disorders inherited?
Most are inherited. Some are autosomal recessive which means the chance of having the disease passed on is 25% for each pregnancy. Genetic testing can help determine the risk Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
Do premature babies have developmental delays?
it depends how prematurely your baby is born. Babies can be born viable from 24 weeks to term, and the earlier your baby is born, the greater the chance of a variety of developmental issues. But also, each gestational age can also lead to a normal outcome. It all depends on the complications associated with premature delivery. READ MORE
What does taking folic acid prevent?
It helps lessen the chance of the fetus having a neural tube defect. Those defects results in an abnormal lack of complete development of spinal cord called Spinal Bifida Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
When is fever in a child worrisome?
You should always check with your doctor if your infant gets a fever Less than 2 months old definitely merits a visit. Fever is definitely as anything over 98.6 degrees although less than 101 is mild. Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
My baby has been throwing up his milk. Is it normal?
If your baby is gaining weight and seems well its okay. If your baby is irritable or losing weight I would redisuss with pediatrician. Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
My daughter has a bad cold and her mucus is green in color. Should I be worried?
Could be a bacterial infection. I would recommend you take her to your pediatrician Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
Is it safe for me to give my baby extracted breast milk?
Needs to be refrigerated and used within 48 hours or frozen Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
Is it okay to drink wine in the first trimester?
No. No alcohol during pregnancy. Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
What are the signs of dehydration in a newborn?
Your baby should have formula or mothers milk. If she isnt making urine that is a sign of dehydration Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
How long is a preterm baby kept in the NICU?
Baby needs to be much closer to due date Goals for discharge include feeding well, no extra support (no oxygen, intravenous fluids, temperature support and free of other acute medical issues. Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
My child is throwing up milk just after feeding. Is it normal?
Mild spitting up is okay. It could be reflux If your babys spit up gets significant and/ir she is losing weight talk to your doctor Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
What should I eat on an empty stomach when pregnant?
Whatever healthy foods you would eat when not pregnant. : fruits , vegetables , fish chicken etc. Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
What do I need to take to prevent birth defects?
Take a multivitamin and folate. Eat a high protein diet with fruits and vegetables. Avoid alcohol Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
My son was born with a breathing disorder. What are the chances his condition will improve as he grows up?
Usually these problems resolve. Ask your health care team what is the diagnosis? Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
While bathing my baby a little water went inside his ears. Does he need attention from a neonatalogist?
no that should be fine. If he or she seems fussy , you could have your pediatrician examine him. READ MORE
My baby has been in the NICU for the last month. Will this cause any issues in his development?
Your babys development depends on gestational age at birth and development of any complications. Discuss this issue with your neonatologist Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
My baby cries every time while passing motions. Is something wrong?
Are the bowel movements hard or soft. ? If hard your baby could be straining so discuss this your doctor Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
Is anemia in preterm babies normal?
Yes it can be normal. Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of Medicine- Effect of sleep position on apnea and bradycardia in high-risk infants.
- Family reactions during infants' hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care
- THE SPECIFIC-PATHOGEN-FREE PROGRAM TODAY.
- Human mammary gland function at the onset of lactation: medium-chain fatty acid
- Milk and blood fatty acid composition during two lactations in the same woman.
- Communicating with parents of premature infants: who is the informant?
- Ghrelin and cholecystokinin in term and preterm human breast milk.
- Closure of the ductus arteriosus with indomethacin in ventilated neonates with respiratory distress syndrome. Effects of pulmonary compliance and ventilation.
- Forgotten parent: NICU paternal emotional response.
- The use of role play for interdisciplinary teaching of palliative care
- C-Section and Referential Opacity.
- Teaching the Art of Difficult Family Conversations.
- Feeding the low birth weight infant.
- Intravenous administration of lipid emulsions to premature infants.
- The hematofluorometer: a rapid assay for bilirubin and bilirubin binding.
Dr. Michael L. Spear, MD's Practice location
Practice At 4745 Ogletown Stanton Rd Medical Arts Pavilion One Suite 217
4745 Ogletown Stanton Rd Medical Arts Pavilio -Newark, DE 19713Get Direction
Drexel University College of Medicine
245 N 15th St -Philadelphia, PA 19102Get Direction
Dr. Michael L. Spear, MD's reviews
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