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What can I expect when I bring my premature infant home? Because premature babies are born before they are physically ready to leave the womb, they require extra medical attention immediately after delivery. Your child may need special tests as well as medical help that is different from that needed by full-term babies. It may be a few days or weeks before you can bring your baby home. The OK to go home It's a great day when you finally get to bring your baby home! Your pediatrician will approve the discharge of your baby from the hospital, based on the following guidelines. Your baby should be:
Other medical problems should also be resolved, or home care should be set up before your baby leaves the hospital. Questions to ask before you leave the hospital Your pediatrician will talk with you before your baby leaves the hospital. Be sure that he or she explains the following:
If you must bring the hospital home with you Some premature babies need monitors and other equipment at home. For example, if apnea is a problem, monitoring may be done at home. Some babies may also need to go home with oxygen or other treatments. You and other caregivers will be trained on how to take care of your child's special needs before you take her home. You will also be taught how to perform infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Settling in at home Premature babies need to be fed more often, and it will take a little while for them to adjust to being at home. Accept any offers of help around the house during the first few weeks, so you can take time to get used to having a new baby in the house. A good night's rest for both of you Your baby needs plenty of sleep in order to grow and develop. She will rest easier—and you will, too—if you follow a few simple rules when you put your baby down for a nap or for the night. Sleeping position: back to sleep The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy infants be placed on their backs to sleep. Babies who are placed on their stomachs to sleep are at higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Placing babies on their backs to sleep does not increase the risk of other problems (for example, choking, flat head, or poor sleep). However, premature infants with certain medical problems (such as lung problems) may need to sleep on their side. Whether your baby sleeps on her back or side, a certain amount of "tummy time" is needed when she is awake. Ask your pediatrician about the best sleeping position for your baby. In addition to proper sleeping position, you can reduce the risk of SIDS by:
If you need support Sometimes parents need help taking care of a premature baby. Or they may need a shoulder to lean on when facing the stresses of being a new parent. If this is the case:
Published online: 4/07 Healthcare professionals
may order
this publication in multi-copy packs. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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Premature
Infants