Discharge Planning

PREPARING FOR DISCHARGE

Before your baby is discharged home it is important that you get to know your baby and become comfortable caring for him or her. This may be as simple as spending time with your baby, but may also mean you must become more informed about your baby’s care. Don’t forget to request a copy of your baby’s discharge summary, it is important to take it along to your baby’s first visit to the pediatrician. Some other specific things you can do are:

THINGS TO PRACTICE

Holding your baby

Soothing your baby

Changing your baby’s diaper and clothes

Feeding your baby

Bathing your baby

THINGS TO LEARN

To administer medications and treatments at home

To use a car seat and positioning your baby in the car seat

The results of your infant’s routine screening tests, e.g. NJ metabolic screen, eye examination, hearing screen, head ultrasound

Infant CPR: The NICU secretary can help you schedule a class before your baby goes home.

THINGS TO DO

If your baby is a boy, decide if you would like him circumcised. This should be scheduled ~1 week before discharge.

Inquire about immunizations and get a record of any that were administered during your baby’s NICU stay.

If your baby is going home on an apnea monitor: Complete monitor training and get a list of important contact numbers.

If your baby is going home on oxygen: Become familiar with the equipment, learn to secure the nasal cannula, and get a list of important contact numbers.

Select a pediatrician for your baby and schedule your baby’s first appointment.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO STAYING IN TOUCH WITH YOU!

Please share your contact information before you and your baby leave the NICU. We would like to keep you informed of NICU events, e.g. the Annual NICU Alumni Picnic, and receive updates on your baby. You will be a part of our NICU family forever!

David Taylor Digital | NJ Digital Marketing Agency