Lets talk about NICU discharge…

It is a day you have likely been looking forward to with excitement and anxiety. Discharge day comes with a whirlwind of feelings, all of which are completely normal. A NICU stay, no matter the circumstances, is not easy. Discharge day may be the first time you have been able to walk around with your baby not connected to a monitor. This in itself can be scary. Transitioning from an environment where your infant is under constant monitoring to your home can feel overwhelming. We say it all the time in the NICU and it is SO TRUE. You know your baby best. You are their parent. Trust your instincts! Now is also the time to lean on your support systems. Saying yes to help and support is crucial for the wellness of you and your baby. 

Prior to discharge from the NICU there is a checklist of items that is met which includes CPR teaching, hearing screening, and oftentimes, a carseat test. A carseat test is when your infant is placed in their carseat for 90 minutes while being monitored for low oxygen or heart rate. The test is meant to ensure your infant is safe for car seat travel. If your infant is small, you may need a special 4 lb car seat. The only inserts that should go in the car seat are those made by the car seat manufacturer. Know that a car seat should only be used for travel in a car or plane and not as an infant sleep space. 

At discharge it is helpful to set up a follow up with your pediatrician within 2-3 days so that you can get your questions answered and be reassured that your baby is still growing and healthy. Your pediatrician can also help you organize the needed follow up appointments after NICU discharge. If your infant had a long or complex NICU stay, it can be helpful to request your NICU doctor speak to your pediatrician prior to discharge to give a thorough history of the hospital stay. Be sure to bring your discharge paperwork with you to your first pediatrician visit.