When a premature baby is ready to go home parents may feel that the worst is over, but it can be quite daunting adjusting to the transition from hospital to home.Parents may experience separation anxiety from leaving the well supported environment of the hospital, including professionals who may have known and cared for their baby for an extended period of time.
Some parents may already feel emotionally and physically fatigued from visiting their baby daily in hospital. Once their baby is home, the interrupted sleep and physical demands required in caring for a new baby can contribute to a feeling of total exhaustion and risk of burn out.
Concerns about baby's weight gain and feeding are often raised whether baby is breast or formula fed. The breastfeeding mother may be trying to maintain her supply, encourage feeding stamina and juggle expressing and feeding on demand. There may be some babies still requiring feeding by a tube through their nose (nasogastric feeding).
Some premature babies will continue to require oxygen when they go home and possible monitoring for apnoeas (stop breathing). This requires managing oxygen cylinders, associated tubing and other specialised equipment.
Most premature babies will have some medical follow up after they are discharged to monitor growth and development. There may be follow up appointments to see a paediatrician, surgeon, optometrist, audiologist and other relevant allied health professionals. Often families have a financial outlay to attend these appointments combined with travel and parking costs.
All these feelings are normal. Make sure that you ask your healthcare professionals for help and advice, if you feel that you need it, and get in touch with local and online support groups plus our own forum discussion area.
The material provided here is for informational purposes only and should not replace, or be used as a substitute for, professional medical advice.