Preparing for Discharge

It’s a very exciting time when your baby is given the all clear to be discharged home and you may have spent months in hospital waiting for this very day. In order for your baby to be discharged they should be able to;

• Maintain their body temperature
• Breath on their own without assistance
• Gain weight steadily
• Able to feed fully by breast or bottle
• Have no other ongoing health concerns that requires in 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, bathing, feeding and dressing will make the transition to home so much easier.

Before discharge it is recommended you undertake an accredited CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) course in case of a medical emergency at home.

Questions to ask in preparation for discharge:

• How often you will need to return for follow up appointments
• Whether you need referrals to any additional services
• How to administer medications if they are needed
• How to know if your baby is eating, sleeping and gaining weight properly
• When to call the doctor or hospital
• If you need equipment for your baby. Some baby’s go home with oxygen requirements or need an apnoea monitor.
  

There may also be some final tests needed 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 addiotnal is required in preparation for the big homecoming.