Preparing to bring your baby home from the NICU is an important step. This page offers guidance on what to expect and how to get ready for your baby’s transition to home life.
Going home
We usually say, aim for your due date. Babies born nearer their full term may be home before this time.
Some very premature babies may still need to be looked after in the neonatal intensive care unit beyond their due date. When your baby is stable and getting closer to going home, to prepare you when going home, we may transfer you and your baby to Charles Wolfson ward. Please ask the nursing staff for more details
You may be introduced to one of our neonatal outreach nurses prior to your baby’s discharge. The neonatal outreach team normally visit as often as required when you are first discharged and become less frequent as your needs require. If you do not need our outreach team involvement, your community midwife and health visitor will be your main support once you are home. They will have been updated on your baby's treatment during your stay in NICU and on discharge. Health visitors should contact you at home after your discharge.
For more information, visit our patient information leaflet page for the Neonatal Outreach Team.
Follow-up clinics
Depending on your baby’s clinical needs, you may be offered ongoing follow up in one or more of the consultants clinics.
Follow-up plans will be made and communicated to you before your baby is discharged. Follow-ups may include:
- Neurology follow-up
- Surgical follow-up
- Neurodevelopment follow-up
- Baby review for prolonged jaundice screening
- Neonatal follow-up
- Hip scan
- Cardiology follow-up
- Eye clinic (ROP screening)
- Audiology follow-up
Once at home
Once discharged the following health professionals will continue to advise you on feeding, growth, vaccinations and development as well as general care.
- General practitioner (GP): A GP is your family doctor. They are the first person to see if you have any concerns about your baby’s health. Your GP can also make referrals to other health professionals.
- Health visitor: Your health visitor will carry out health checks for growth and development. They can provide information about your baby’s health, home safety and parenting.
- Practice nurse: You may see the a nurse at your GPs surgery or health centre. Practice nurses are often responsible for your baby’s vaccinations.