A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 72
Going home
Things to do before your baby comes home
• Accept help: If people offer to help with activities such as cooking meals,
looking after older children, gardening or shopping, accept their help.
• Prepare meals in advance and freeze them: Your days go quickly when
you’re busy feeding and settling a newborn so having meals preprepared can leave you more time to bond with your baby.
• Family and friends: Wherever possible, organise a food roster that your
family and friends could help with. They may also help with looking after
siblings in the first couple of weeks while you get used to baby being home.
• Get the house ready: Make sure the furniture is built and the nursery is ready.
• Get all the information you need: Make sure you feel comfortable using
any medical equipment you’re taking home with you. Make a list of
hospital contacts you can call in case you need help.
• Have your baby’s car seat properly installed: State Roads and Traffic
Authorities and some baby outlets such as Baby Bunting offer a car
seat installation service. If your baby has any special requirements, an
occupational therapist or hospital staff can help you source anything else
you may require.
• Thank the staff who cared for your baby: If you had a special nurse or
made some close friends, say thanks either in person or by writing a card.
• Undertake an accredited CPR Course: Before discharge, it is a good
idea to undertake an accredited CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation)
course, in case you have a medical emergency at home. Speak to your
nursery manager as some hospitals will take parents through infant CPR.
• Visitors: Make sure family and friends are well. If sick, ask them to stay
away. It’s more important to keep your baby well.
• Vaccinations: Make sure family and friends who wish to visit are up to
date with whooping cough and flu vaccinations.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
69
