Bringing your baby home

The day you've been looking forward to—and worrying about—is finally coming. Your baby is going home. You may wonder if you and your baby are ready for the big event.

The NICU staff will make sure that your baby is ready to go home. And they'll help you get the support you need. The healthcare team will work with you to plan your baby's discharge from the hospital. They will answer your questions about what will happen before and after your baby leaves the NICU.

The NICU staff will know that your baby is ready to go home when:

• Your baby keeps gaining weight and can feed well by breast or bottle. If your baby is gaining weight but still needs tube feeding, they still may be able to go home. The healthcare team will teach you how to use special feeding equipment at home.
• Your baby's body temperature stays normal in an open infant bed.
• The healthcare team has no concerns about your baby's heart rate and breathing rate. If your baby has breathing problems but is otherwise healthy, it may be possible to take your baby home on oxygen. The healthcare team will teach you how to use any special equipment at home.

The NICU staff will make sure that you know everything you need to know. They will teach you:

• About feeding your baby at home.
• How to safely transport your baby in the car.
• How to handle any medicines and use any special equipment your baby may need at home.

Before you and your baby go home, you'll meet with the healthcare team to discuss a medical care plan. The plan will include checkups, specialist care, and ongoing tests. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have. This is also a good time to make an appointment with your baby's regular doctor. The first appointment should be a few days after your baby comes home. The NICU staff will make sure that your baby's doctor has all the important health information to care for your baby.

Check to see if home-based health care and support are available in your area. Your hospital may offer home visits or home nursing care. The NICU staff or social worker can help you arrange it.

What can you expect?

• Sleep helps your baby grow and develop. Your baby may sleep more than a full-term baby does, but for shorter periods of time.
• Your baby may be fussy and sensitive to light, sounds, touch, and movement. Spend quality time bonding with your baby and getting to know them. Skin-to-skin contact, cuddling, and talking to your baby can help strengthen your bond and promote healthy development.
• The change from being a parent in the NICU to being a parent at home can be stressful. It's helpful to be open and honest and to talk about your daily challenges as well as your joys. Sometimes the best support comes from people who are facing the same things that you are. Your hospital may have a support group for families with preemies. There are support groups on the Internet too.