Life After NICU
Nurture Information Hub
At last, you have been given the green light to take your baby home. Obviously it is an exciting time, but alongside the relief of finally leaving the NICU, it can also be quite a daunting experience as you will now have sole responsibility for your baby’s care. You may be feeling a range of different emotions and realise that leaving hospital brings new challenges in caring for your baby.
One of the biggest hurdles that parents face is being able to transition from being in a situation with 24-hour hospital care to providing the 24-hour care needed at home. You may be nervous leaving the care and guidance of the doctors and nurses who cared for your baby, and at times it can be a little overwhelming taking on full responsibility for all of your baby’s needs.
The NICU journey is extremely demanding and it is common for parents to feel emotionally and physically depleted. When your baby is discharged from the hospital, the constant demands of caring for your newborn and lack of sleep can be exacerbated, but it is important to look after yourself.
Remember that it is okay for you to ask for help from your family, friends or health care providers if you feel like you are overwhelmed or struggling to cope. Health professionals such as your paediatrician, GP or family health nurse will be willing to give any help or support you need and of course feel free to ring our parent support line any time should you need help on 1300 MBABIES (24 hours a day)
We have included some extra resources relating to life after NICU and hope that they continue to provide support as your miracle baby grows.
"When Amiyah was born at 25 weeks, she weighed just 566 grams and her doctors gave her a 30% chance of survival. Thirteen weeks later, she weighed 2.2kg and finally got to come home with us on an apnea monitor. I was scared – she was tiny and rarely cried like a typical baby, much less acted like a three-month-old. It’s nerve-racking at times being a mum to a premmie baby, but I thank God that she is here." – Carmela, Miracle Mum to Amiyah born at 25 weeks
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Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances.To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
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