KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Bringing your preemie home from the hospital

Bringing your preemie home from the hospital

By Diane Griffith, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

Content provided by
 

Your premature infant is finally coming home from the hospital. You've been waiting and praying for this day for weeks, but now that it's here, you feel anxious and scared that something will go wrong.

It's normal to be worried about bringing your preemie home. But you can be sure that your baby's doctor feels confident that your baby is ready to go home and that you are prepared to take care of her. Here are some special considerations to keep in mind.

Medical problems

Preemies are prone to certain health problems. Keeping a close watch on your baby and having regular visits with your pediatrician are essential to his well-being. Low birth-weight babies are at increased risk for:

• Respiratory problems. Some babies need supplemental oxygen.
• Apnea. If there is concern that your baby may stop breathing, she will be placed on an apnea monitor.
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Your pediatrician may suggest a change in her feedings or other treatments to help with this.
• Visual problems. Regular checkups with an eye doctor may be needed.
• Hearing problems. Paying attention to whether your baby reacts to sounds and noises can help with early detection.
• Infections. Preemies are at an increased risk for infection, especially RSV, a flu-like viral infection that can be severe in preemies. Limit visitors and have them wash their hands before touching the baby. Your doctor may recommend an RSV immunization.

Before leaving the hospital

Your baby won't be released until he can breathe on his own and is gaining weight steadily. He will need to maintain a normal body temperature and be able to bottle- or breast-feed. Some hospitals require a specific minimum weight before discharge.

Before discharge, your baby's doctor will discuss her care with you.Some of the topics covered will be:

• Feedings
• Any special equipment that may be needed, such as monitors or oxygen
• Any medications your baby may need
• When your baby should be seen in the office, usually a few days after coming home

If your baby will be using a monitor at home, you will most likely be offered a CPR class as a routine part of parental training.before your infant leaves the hospital.

Driving home

Preemies may have breathing problems when restrained in a car seat, so they are often observed in their seats while still in the hospital. If your baby has problems while being tested, she may need to ride home in a lying position, using an approved car bed.

Your baby's diet

Premature infants need eight to ten feedings a day. To prevent dehydration, never wait more than four hours between feedings.

Breast-feeding is advised, but you may still need to supplement with formula for the added calories and nutrients. Preemies also need extra iron. Your pediatrician may prescribe it along with any other vitamins your child needs.

Sleeping

Your infant needs more sleep than full-term babies. When you put him to bed, place him on his back to help prevent SIDS. Other SIDS prevention measures include:

• Removing soft bedding and stuffed toys from the crib
• Keeping the room temperature comfortable
• Not allowing smoking in your home
• Having baby sleep only in his own crib or bassinette

Kangaroo care

Many hospitals encourage kangaroo care, which involves having skin-to-skin contact with your infant. Your diapered baby is placed on yours or your partner's bare chest. Research shows that this practice improves the parent-child bond, encourages breast-feeding and helps premature infants to thrive. Parents often continue this practice at home.

Bringing your new little bundle home from the hospital can be scary. Being prepared can help you feel confident that you will be able to give your baby the special care she needs.

View the original Bringing your preemie home from the hospital article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

• LaHood A, Bryan CA. Outpatient care of the premature infant. American Family Physician. 2007;76(8):1159-1164. Accessed: 04/26/2009

• March of Dimes. Premature birth. Accessed: 04/26/2009

• American Academy of Family Physicians. Caring for your premature baby. Accessed: 04/26/2009

• Charpak N, Ruiz-Pelaez JG, Figueroa de C Z, Charpak Y. A randomized, controlled trial of kangaroo mother care: results of follow-up at 1 year of corrected age. Pediatrics. 2001;108(5):1072-1079. Accessed: 04/26/2009

• American Academy of Pediatrics. Premature babies: bringing the infant home. Accessed: 03/26/2009