A significant moment arrives when the baby is able to leave the neonatal unit. This is an important milestone for the entire family. During this period, not only medical care and home support are important, but attention should also be given to practical and emotional support from the surrounding environment.
Discharge from the hospital
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When can the baby go home?
Healthcare providers decide, in consultation with the parents, when the baby can go home. This timing differs for each baby. Generally, the following factors are taken into account:
- The baby breastfeeds well or finishes bottle feeds
- The baby shows adequate weight gain
- The baby is able to maintain body temperature
- The baby no longer has serious medical problems, or these are under control (e.g., discharge with tube feeding, minimal oxygen therapy, etc.)
Discharge preparation
PARENTS - ROOMING-IN
During the baby’s stay in the neonatal unit, parents are prepared for the transition home. It is important for parents to become well acquainted with their baby during the hospital stay. Parents are encouraged to practice caregiving tasks and to take over care responsibilities as soon as possible.
In some hospitals, rooming‑in is offered shortly before discharge. This allows parents to stay with their baby continuously for one or more days and take full responsibility for care. In this way, parents have the opportunity to adjust to their baby while still having access to nurses and midwives for questions or uncertainties.
PRACTICAL ASPECTS
Several practical matters must also be arranged in preparation for the baby’s return home, such as baby essentials and, if needed, medical or care‑related materials.
Some babies require additional care requiring medical supplies, such as equipment for tube feeding, stoma care, bladder catheterisation, and similar needs. Healthcare professionals and the hospital’s social services department refer parents to specialised companies where these materials can be obtained.
SIBLINGS
When older brothers or sisters are present, it is important to prepare them for the baby’s return home and involve them actively. They can help with preparing the home and organizing baby items.
Day of discharge
When parents have mastered the care of their baby and have possibly spent several days in a parent‑and‑child room, the day of discharge arrives.
MATERIALS
On the day of discharge, parents bring the necessary items to return home, such as:
- a car seat (tip: test it in the car beforehand)
- warm clothing and a hat
- a blanket
- a cool bag and cooling elements for transporting any frozen breast milk
- a diaper bag
- …
The physician performs a final examination of the baby and prepares the discharge documents. Parents receive an information booklet and a brochure containing specific details regarding medication, care, feeding, and follow‑up appointments.
If acute questions or uncertainties arise after returning home, the neonatal unit can always be contacted.
Who can support me?
Returning home with a premature baby is a significant step and can be overwhelming for parents. Various caregivers and organizations are available to offer support in different areas.
Administration
When a baby is ready to go home, several practical and administrative matters must be arranged.
Click here for more information about the administrative steps associated with discharge.
Feeding
When returning home with a baby, a certain degree of uncertainty is normal, including in the area of feeding. This page provides several feeding tips to help ensure a smooth transition from the hospital to the home environment.