3 Systems for a Successful Discharge Home With Your Baby

Anticipating discharge home from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) brings up almost as much parental anxiety as when you first learn of the need for admission to the NICU. For parents, admission to the NICU means something is wrong with your baby. Once the medical issues are resolved, your baby is cleared to go home. Sometimes parents get stuck in the place of 'something being wrong' and are not ready when it is time to go home. Parents wonder what if something goes wrong at home? What can they do? Who is there to help them? Although no parent wants their baby to be hospitalized, there is a sense of safety that gets replaced by uncertainty as discharge nears. The sicker, the more premature, and the longer the baby is in the NICU, the more parents experience this.
Three most common concerns expressed are:
1.What if something happens at home?
2.What if I run out of milk?
3.We are not finished preparing our home. What should we do?
Establishing systems for success makes the discharge process smoother.
1.Contact your Pediatrician and schedule your baby's first appointment prior to going home.
This first appointment is important for your baby and even more important for you as a mom and dad. It is the opportunity to connect with the person who will be a resource for your family as your family grows. In addition to evaluating the medical status of your newborn, your pediatrician will administer vaccines and offer preventive care advice. The first year of life is a period of rapid growth. An important part of the pediatrician's visit is the assessment of your baby's development. In addition to the exam in the office, the doctor will rely on your observations at home. It is important for you to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing your concerns. Making the initial contact while your baby is still in the hospital jump starts that relationship.
2.Have an adequate supply of milk for your baby.
Nutrition is so important for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for newborns. What systems do you need to have in place for a successful breastfeeding experience? Consider storing expressed breast milk in your freezer so you have a supply when you return to work. What supplies do you need for pumping at home and at work? Think about what you might wear to work to make pumping easier for you? Some newborns may be discharged home on formula due to parental preference or medical necessity. Prior to discharge, identify the supermarkets or pharmacies that have the formula available. Maintain a supply of formula at home so you do not have to worry about running out of milk in the middle of the night. And do not forget to inquire about store hours. (This is true for diapers as well.)
3.Prepare your home environment.
Bringing your baby home from the hospital is an exciting time. Preparation makes the transition easier. Figure out what really needs to be done right now, and what can be put in place at a later date. For example, safe guarding the electrical outlets is important, but can be done at a later date when your newborn starts to become mobile. Some of the decisions you make for your physical space will be based on your parenting style. Decide whether your baby will sleep in a crib in your room or in the nursery. Temperature regulation is important for your newborn. Are there any heating or cooling concerns in the areas where your baby will be sleeping and spending most of his or her time?
As a parent you want everything perfect for your baby. Many concerns arise. Creating systems that work is an individualized process. Your systems will evolve as your family grows so that they continue to benefit you.