What Happens When Your Baby Is Discharged from the NICU?
If you’ve been waiting for your baby to get discharged from the NICU finally, you might be both excited and terrified to have a date for that event. Understanding what you’re about to experience and feel can help you quite a bit.
You’re Going to Get a Lot of Information
No matter how long your baby has been in the NICU and how much you’ve learned during that time, there is going to be so much more information headed your way. The NICU will do everything that they can do to help educate you and other family members as much as possible. You’re likely to feel a bit overwhelmed, no matter how much you learn. Be sure to ask questions when you feel as if you don’t understand something, even if your question is just a request to go over something again.
You’ll Have a Mix of Feelings
This is a really exciting time. Your baby is finally going to come home from the hospital and integrate with the rest of your family. It’s a time full of joy, but you’re also likely to feel nervous, sad, scared, and a lot of other emotions. The NICU is a source of support for you and for your baby and now you’re likely going to feel a little more on your own.
You’ll Have a Lot of Follow-up Appointments
Your baby is going to have quite a few follow-up appointments. Some might be as early as within a few days of going home. These appointments are crucial for reminding you that you’re not alone, even if you feel as though you are. But keeping track of all of those different appointments might feel overwhelming, too. They’re a key part of making sure that everything is going well.
You Might Feel Really Unprepared
Toward that end, though, you might not feel as prepared as you want to be for everything to go well. This is where hiring pediatric home care providers can give you an added layer of security. These home care providers can help you to organize everything that you need and develop a routine at home that works for you and for your baby. When you’re feeling uncertain, they’re right there to help you figure it out.
It’s time now to enjoy your new life with your baby. All of the adjustments and difficulties are things you’ll learn to manage, especially with the right help. You can do so much with the right support system for your family.
