A Guiding Hand for Families in Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 64
Getting ready to go home
Preparing to Transition Home
It’s a good idea to try to ensure the day that you take your baby home is as
calm and relaxing for everyone as possible. This will help you and baby cope
with the transition home.
Being prepared and planning the day around your baby’s feeding schedule
will help. In the first couple of days at home, it’s nice to take the time to get
to know your baby, giving your partner and if you have other children, an
opportunity to bond.
Being a parent of a premature/sick baby can be difficult. Please don’t
take to heart the comments of others in relation to baby or worry if you
are perceived as overprotective. Don’t take their comments or thoughts
on board and create stress for yourself. Just remember that you are your
baby’s carers and everything you are doing is for the health and well-being
of your baby.
Family members need to be sure they are not sick, have not been recently
sick and have not been around someone who has been sick before they
visit. This is essential to protect your baby until their immune system
becomes stronger and better able to cope with illness.
If a family member or friend is struggling with your life changes, sit down
and discuss with them why you need to be protective of your baby, or
suggest they call Life’s Little Treasures Foundation for more information.
Some parents request that family and friends don’t visit for the first couple
of days and keep celebrations to a minimum while everyone adjusts. There
is always time to celebrate later.
“Great things are done by a
series of small things brought
together.”
VINCENT VAN GOGH
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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