It’s a very exciting day when you find out that your baby is ready to go home. It is very normal to feel scared, unsure, worried about your premature baby going home, especially if they have been on oxygen for a long time, have had severe apnoea episodes, requires oxygen & apnoea monitoring at home but rest assured, your baby would not be allowed for release if there were any major complications. Your baby will not be able to leave until they meet the 5 criteria necessary for release from the hospital.
In order for a premmie to be released, they must be:
1. Able to keep their body temperature stable in an open crib
2. Free of any apnoeas (pauses in breathing)
3. Their vitals are stable
4. Gaining weight steadily
5. Sucking breast or bottle without breathing difficulties (some babies have been known go home with a galvage tube)
Note: Some nurseries send infants home on apnoea monitors if they’re having short self-limited apnoeas (no color change or severe bradycardias and not needing stimulation to breathe again) & some babies do go home on oxygen. If you are worried about coping at home or need more time to get comfortable about your childs care please contact either your family resource nurse, doctor, or the nursery.
References
Southern Health handbook – retrieved 2007
The subject matter provided in these articles is strictly for informational purposes alone and should never be used in the place of a doctor’s advice. Please ALWAYS contact your doctor if you ever have questions or need advice in any area where medical advice is needed or medication is suggested.
