DISCHARGE DAY!!!
Holy Cow! It probably felt like this day would never come. However, at the same time I bet it literally snuck up on you and took you by surprise. Crazy how that happens, right? You may have been here once or twice before. I’m sure there were several instances when discharge day would approach and then slowly but surely it would slip out of your fingertips due to a frustrating infection or a pesky spell.
Many parents feel overwhelmed the week leading up to discharge. Although they long for the day when they can finally take their baby home, they may feel apprehensive and unprepared when that day finally gets here. You are probably going crazy with mixed emotions, hormones, and feeling ALL THE FEELS!
As the NICU staff is preparing your baby for discharge, you may have realized that you yourself are not even close to being ready for your transition home. This is completely normal and to be expected.
You might find yourself asking, “How often should I give my baby a bath? What is an abnormal temperature indicative of? When should I phone the pediatrician versus call 911?” Rest assured because I have all the answers for you!
Baby Steps to Home is a resource that was created to standardize the discharge pathway and teaches you everything that you need to know before your baby goes home. It is designed to provide parents with information appropriate for their baby’s condition and progress toward discharge. The topics are updated every year and use current, evidence-based information that’s written for parents and presented in easy-to-understand language. The parent-focused content discusses common issues and problems parents may encounter, addresses commonly asked questions, and provides helpful information and tips parents will need upon discharge.
NICU nurses use this handy dandy resource to educate parents about the basics of taking care of their baby. It is a really dense and thorough guide that covers literally everything that parents (especially first time parents) must know. Wanna hear the best part? It’s FREE! This is not a drill, folks! I strongly urge & highly encourage you to download this guide and take some time to really read through it before your little one comes home and you don’t have a minute to spare.
Parents are essential to maximizing the long-term outcomes of NICU patients, and it is important for you to be confident and competent when it comes to caring for your baby. CLICK HERE to download your copy today!