Going Home

Congratulations on your miracle baby/ies graduation from NICU/SCN!  

Each hospital experience is unique and complex, fraught with so many different emotions and experiences. Going home can be scary and exciting all at the same time and it is also the beginning of a new chapter at home together. We hope you have been able to access Miracle Babies Foundation services and resources through your hospital journey.  

In order for your baby to be discharged, they should be able to:  

-             Maintain their body temperature  

-             Breathe on their own without assistance  

-             Gain weight steadily  

-             Full suck feeds  

-             Have no other ongoing health concerns that require hospital care.  

During your baby’s hospital stay you would have spent many hours learning to care for your baby. The time you have spent getting to know your baby and bathing, feeding and dressing him or her will make the transition to home so much easier.  

Some babies may be offered an early discharge or discharge with ongoing medical needs. This requires parents to be trained and confident in providing this care for their baby. This could include baby going home on oxygen support, tube feeds, apnoea monitors. Should your baby require any ongoing medical support after discharge, your baby’s medical team will train and support you through this transition.  

If your hospital has Miracle Babies Foundation resources available, you should have received your Grad Bag to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful milestone of graduating from the hospital, Thanks to BabyLove for their ongoing support of this resource. Whether it has been weeks or months in hospital, going home can be overwhelming but remember, this is a special milestone with many more to come.  

Your baby’s discharge means they are doing well and ready to be at home with their family. There will be ongoing appointments to attend in the months and years ahead and it is vital to attend these appointments so your baby can receive any support as needed. These appointments are also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your baby’s development.  

Your family GP and community healthcare nurse will be another place to obtain support and monitor your baby’s progress as well as any specialist or paediatric appointments.  

Discharge from the hospital can bring a range of emotions for you as parents.  It could be celebration and fear all rolled in together. Remember you have support along the way and all that you have learnt in hospital to care for your baby.  

Preparing for discharge

Before discharge it is recommended you undertake an accredited CRP (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) course in case of a medical emergency at home. Your hospital or Miracle Babies Foundation may be able to provide details of a course to suit your needs.  

Questions to ask in preparation for discharge may include:  

-             How often do we need to return for follow-up appointments?  

-             Do we need referrals for any additional services?  

-             Do we need to administer any medications at home? If so, how do we do this?  

-             How do I know if my baby is eating, sleeping, and gaining weight properly?  

-             At what point should I call the doctor or hospital?  

-             Do I need to take any equipment home for my baby? 

There may also be some final tests that need to be carried out before your baby is allowed to go home, such as hearing or eye exams. Your medical team will be able to tell you if anything additional is required in preparation for the big homecoming.  

Travelling Home  

Taking your baby for their first car trip can be exciting and daunting. Keeping them safe in the car is usually foremost in your mind, whether you are going on a long trip or just around the corner.  

To be as safe as possible when travelling in cars, all children should be seated in a suitable restraint that has been fitted properly and is appropriate to the age and size of your child.  

It is important that your child restraint:  

-             Meets the Australian Safety Standard.  

-             Is not bought second-hand without knowing its history.  

-             Is not more than 10 years old.  

-             Has not been previously involved in an accident.  

-             Is fitted according to correct specifications.  

If you have any other questions or concerns, you can ask your baby’s medical team or seek professional advice on transporting your baby. 

We are here to support, educate and empower you on your journey in the hospital and at home. We wish you all the best and encourage you to continue accessing our services after discharge.

Need support? NurtureConnect allows you to connect with our NurtureProgram support team, or call our 24 hour NurtureLine 1300 622 243 or join our Facebook community.

NurtureConnect