Taking Your Baby Home
As your baby gets close to discharge, you may experience many different emotions — ranging from elation to be leaving the hospital to anxiety as you assume responsibility for your baby's care.
Remember that these feelings are normal. The more involved you are in holding, feeding, diapering and bathing your baby prior to discharge, the more comfortable you will feel with your baby at home.
Memorial Hospital West offers several support classes, including Coping with Your New Addition — a one-time class that teaches parents skills to deal with their new challenges.
We also offer a support group, Transitioning Into Motherhood, which provides support and encouragement from other moms as well as a member of our nursing staff. Classes are offered at various times each month.
A Nursing Mother's Support Group meets four times a month. Call (954) 844-7110 to schedule yourself for a class.
Caring for Your Baby
Before taking your baby home, try to visit him or her in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for long periods of time so that you will feel more comfortable in providing the care your baby needs. The NICU staff encourages you to attend the Discharge Class, which is offered most mornings during the week. Ask our staff for details.
Visitors at Home and Taking Your Baby Out in Public
Many friends and family members will want to visit you after you bring your baby home. Remember that babies may become fussy when handled too much or when their sleep and feeding schedules are disturbed. Try to limit visitors and make sure they wash their hands prior to touching or holding your baby. Also, keep your baby away from people (including brothers and sisters) who have colds, coughs or sniffles. When taking your baby out, avoid places with large crowds, especially during the first several months, and always protect your baby from cigarette smoke.
Choosing a Pediatrician
If you have not already chosen a pediatrician, it is important for you to do so immediately. You should interview several doctors to determine if you are comfortable with them and their sensitivity to the "ups and downs" of parenting. Inform your baby's nurse as soon as you make this decision. If you would like to utilize our Physician Referral Service, call (954) 985-3450.
Car Seat Test
Babies born at or before 37 weeks will need a car seat test before going home to see if they can safely sit upright. The test will be conducted by the NICU staff just after the baby is fed. Your nurse will tell you when to bring the car seat in for this test.
Hearing Screening
All babies leaving the NICU will receive a hearing test close to the time of discharge. You will be informed if your baby does not pass this test and what follow-up is necessary.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
A CPR class is highly recommended for all parents. Classes are held at Memorial Hospital West at various times each month. To schedule yourself for a class, call (954) 844-7110.
The Eye Doctor
Babies who are born at or before 32 weeks, or that weigh less than three pounds, will be seen by an eye doctor prior to discharge. Please consult with your nurse for the results of the eye exam.