Commonly Asked Questions About Discharge

When will my baby be ready to go home?

• Be actively gaining weight on breast/bottle feedings.
• Not have any apneas (pauses in breathing) causing bradycardia (slowing of the heart rate) for several days to be sure that the "apnea of prematurity" has resolved.
• While most babies do not require oxygen when they are discharged, some will need to be sent home on oxygen.

Will my baby need medications at home?

Preemies are commonly treated with medications for apnea, reflux, etc. These are problems generally caused by prematurity and gradually resolve. They may resolve before your baby goes home, but if they do not, your baby may go home on medications. If your infant does go home on medication however, before discharge, your baby's nurse will give you instructions on what the medications are for and how to give them to your baby. You should plan to practice giving the medications to your baby whenever you visit. Prior to discharge home, you will be given prescriptions to fill for your baby.

Will my baby start immunizations before going home?

Depending on the age of your baby, some immunizations may be given in the hospital before discharge. All of your baby's immunizations will be recorded in on immunization record that will be given to you upon your baby's discharge.

Will my baby need special equipment at home?

Sometimes caring for your preemie at home will take some special skills and practice. If your baby is going home on a monitor or on oxygen, you will receive special training in the hospital on how to work with this equipment. You will also be required to view an infant CPR video before discharge. You are welcome to bring grandparents or anyone else who might be caring for your baby to these instructional.

What kind of follow-up care will my baby need?

There are several routine screening tests performed on your baby in the NICU that may need to be repeated or require follow-up. If your preemie has ROP (retinopathy of prematurity), we'll check with the ophthalmologist before sending him/her home to arrange for follow up on an outpatient basis. Also, your baby will need to seen by your chosen pediatrician within one to two weeks following their discharge home.

What things at my home may need to be changed to protect my baby's health?

• Maintain a non-smoking environment. This is especially important for baby sent home with oxygen.
• Wash your hands after handling food or taking care of other children in the house. This is your best defense against germs.
• You can ask your family and friends to not visit if they have colds or other contagious illnesses. Preemies are very susceptible to germs.
• You can ask for early morning appointments at your pediatrician's office in order to avoid crowded waiting rooms full of sick children.
• Try to avoid crowded indoor places like malls or movie theaters. The baby has a higher risk of catching cold or infection in places like these.
• Feel free to take your baby outside, weather permitting, of course. Don't expose the baby too long to drafts or direct sunlight. You may want to try using a hat or a stroller with a parasol to protect the baby from the direct sunlight. Do not use sunscreen on your baby unless advised to do so by your pediatrician. Many sunscreens contain chemicals that can interact negatively with your baby's delicate skin.