A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 84
Going home
Maternal health nurse: Every family in Australia has access to a Maternal
Health Nurse (MHN) when a new baby arrives home. Your MHN may
have already visited you while you were still in the unit. Unless your baby
still needs to see a specialist, your MHN will be your main professional
support once you go home. They will be involved in following your baby’s
development from birth to school age. They will carry out basic health
checks for growth, developmental milestones and may be involved
in organising immunisations. Your MHN is a source of information on
promoting health, home safety and parenting skills and you will find that
they may also be available for home visits and at baby clinics.
If your baby comes home on oxygen or becomes unwell, you should enquire
at your maternal centre if a MHN can visit your home to save taking baby
out especially if you live in cooler areas and your baby comes home in the
winter period.
General practitioner (GP): A GP is the local doctor you should register
your baby with for any type of health-related problem and to
make referrals to other specialised health professionals.
TIP:
It’s essential to register your baby with a GP in the
If possible,
catchment area of your home address.
Practice nurse: This could be at your GP’s surgery
or your local health centre. Practice nurses may be
involved in your baby’s immunisations.
try to stay with the
one pharmacist and
GP as they will form a
relationship with
you and understand
baby’s needs
better.
Parenting services: If you have problems with sleeping,
settling, bonding or general issues, ask your GP or MHN
about sleep schools or parenting schools. Your state’s
maternal and child health line or parent line can also be helpful.
See www.raisingchildren.net.au for more information
Photo: Rene Asmussen, Pexels
For a
comprehensive
list of services
please visit our
website
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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