For Families My Baby’s Coming Home
The time has finally come when you can take your little treasure, or treasures, home after an extended stay in a neonatal unit
As well as being excited, you might be feeling a bit nervous or anxious. After all, you’ve had a team of health-care professionals helping to look after your baby.
We‘re here to reassure you that it is perfectly normal to feel this way and most parents feel like this. Preparing for this transition is important so here are some ideas to get you home feeling ready and empowered.
‘Rooming In’ with your baby
Many hospitals have a ‘rooming in’ parents’ room to trial being on your own with your baby before you head home. We recommend you take up this opportunity if offered – it will build your confidence. The room is usually located near the neonatal unit so if you need assistance from nurses you can call on them.
A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and SCN
On your way home with your baby
If you are driving home, making sure you have a car seat that meets Australian standards and is appropriate for the journey is important.
Britax, one of LLTF’s major sponsors, provide a premmie baby car seat insert in our Little Treasures Welcome Pack so don’t forget to order one before you go home!
Order your Little Treasures Welcome Pack here
Breastfeeding your baby
If you wish to continue your breastfeeding journey, it is critical that you have a breast pump for expressing so you can continue to establish your milk supply.
LLTF have a Breast Pump Program, sponsored by Medela, to make sure parents who can’t afford a pump and still want to breastfeed can continue. Ask the social worker or lactation consultant at your hospital about this program.
Learn More
Join our NICU Connections at Home online group
Speak to parents who have also recently transitioned home and hear from LLTF staff who have the lived experience. These sessions are run via an online closed Facebook group so you can join in from the comfort of your home.
Request to join hereTransitioning with your Baby
Nurse on call
Often the hospital will suggest you get in touch if you have any concerns when you get home. Ano ther alternative include s calling ‘Nurse on Call’. The Australian government offer a fre e health advice from a registered nurse through Health Direct.
Find out more
Monitors and other baby equipment
Baby monitors and other equipment may provide you with peace of mind while baby sleeps. Ensure you are up to date on safe sleeping practices by reading our guidebook
Learn more
Visitors
No doubt you will have friends and family eager to visit. It is OK to tell them you need a bit of time to settle in and get used to being home with your baby. Making sure friends and family members respect your boundaries is important. You may not want people kissing your baby, touching them on the face or even holding them initially.
That’s why we have created a range of ‘Protect Me’ cards ! Place these on the isolette, front door , on your pram and on socials to help you create a safe space for your little treasure.
Download FREE Protect Me Cards
Claire is heading home!
“Today, we’re celebrating a major milestone – Claire’s heading home!
It’s like she’s been taking a crash course in growing up, and she’s aced it with flying colours.
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support… Your wisdom, camaraderie, and ability to find humour in the little things (like our babies) have been a lifeline during our time here.
But fear not, my NICU pals, this isn’t goodbye but a “see you on the flip side” as we transition to the “at-home” NICU Connections group. I can’t wait to reconnect with all of you in our next adventure “.
– Mypzi, Mum to Claire
