A Guiding Hand for Families in Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 68
At home
It is very common to feel nervous and unsure about how you
will cope when your baby finally comes home. The transition
from hospital to home is a big step – for you, your baby and for
the whole family.
It is often a time of mixed emotions. It takes time but gradually you will learn
what you need to do. You will be able to understand what your baby is
saying to you from their cues and know exactly what they need and what is
best for them.
Before coming home, you will have been encouraged to be increasingly
involved in feeding and handling your baby, with help from staff if needed.
This is because it is important that you and your baby know each other so
that at home you can feel confident to care for him or her on your own.
Home Safety
There is a range of things you can do to keep the home safe for your baby.
This is particularly important once they transition into the busy toddler
years. The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne has a great checklist to
assist you in preparing your home.
For more information, see the Royal Children’s Hospital checklist on their
website: www.rch.org.au
Breathing and Oxygen
It is not uncommon for premature babies, who are strong
enough to go home, to go home with oxygen. They are
strong enough to breathe on their own, and no longer
need the specialised care of a hospital, but they still
need occassional assistance with their breathing.
If your baby is in need of oxygen at home, your
hospital will help you arrange and organise it all before
your baby is discharged. You will need an oxygen
supply and nasal cannulas. A nasal cannula is the soft
plastic tubing that goes around your baby’s head and
into your baby’s nose. The tubing is then connected to an
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
Oxygen is
flammable. Be careful with
the tanks and follow the
instructions on how to use
them. It is advisable not to
keep the tank in a room with
a burning fire, sparks or gas
stoves. Do not let anyone
smoke near the tank.
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