This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Taking Your Baby Home from the Hospital

Tips and information to help you prepare for this exciting day!

Welcome to my blog! For those of you still waiting to hold your newborn in your arms, here are some details about taking your baby home from the hospital that will help you know what to expect, as well as help you prepare for this exciting day.

Discharge
Discharge, the medical term for being released from the hospital, is usually completed by 11:00 a.m. But, your baby may be ready to go home much earlier that morning, depending on when your baby's doctor is able to examine your newborn and write discharge orders, and when your baby's nurse is able to complete your discharge teaching as well. Ask your baby's nurse to help you plan.

Take It or Leave It
Taking your baby home is exciting! When deciding how to dress your baby, you might like to know that the blankets and T-shirts that your baby used in the hospital will stay at the hospital for other babies to use. The hospital will give you the disposable items your baby used, such as opened packages of diapers and wipes (and perhaps an unopened package too), but the clothing and blankets your newborn will wear home are from your baby's personal items, those special gifts and purchases that are just waiting to be used.

First Time Outdoors
If you're not sure what to pack for your baby's first trip outdoors from the hospital to your home, here's something you might try. Start by imagining your baby in a diaper only. With the goal of keeping your baby warm, think of the clothing you will need to cover your baby's body, arms, legs, feet, and head. This little trick will hep you remember exactly what you'll need.

Tip: When choosing clothing to cover your baby's legs remember to choose something that will stay in place when the seat belt strap is placed between the legs. Keeping the legs covered will help to keep your newborn warm.

Blankets
For the trip home your newborn will be in a car seat. After you have securely strapped your baby in the car seat you will most likely cover your newborn with a blanket. And, depending on the weather, you may want an extra blanket or comforter tucked around your baby too. 

Camera
Any device that can capture precious images of your newborn will be worth having. Baby pictures are treasures.

Car Seat
For your baby's protection the law require you to use a car seat, even for your tiny newborn. If you're unable to purchase a car seat for your baby, the hospital may be able to help you get one through a program available in your area. Let the hospital know as soon as possible so they can have enough time to help you.

For your baby's safety it's highly recommended that you have the car seat inspected and checked for proper placement in your car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of 2012, about 75% of babies and children (3 out of 4) are in the wrong car seat, are not properly secured in the car seat, are in a car seat that is not properly secured in the car, or are in a car seat that is facing the wrong direction. Knowing your baby is secure will give you peace of mind.

The First Time

When you are placing your baby in the car seat for the first time you may discover that the factory-set length and position of the straps pose a problem. Because your newborn is so small, you most likely will find that the straps are too loose, or too high above the shoulders, to safely secure your baby and you'll need to reposition them. This usually entails removing the car seat cover and manipulating the straps with a bit of strategy to get them correctly positioned. It frequently involves needing to read the instructions too! Figuring out these adjustments will be easier for you in the comfort and warmth of your room rather than out in the parking lot. Planning a little extra time to make these adjustments may help your discharge go more smoothly.

Doctors Name and Phone Number
As soon as you leave the hospital grounds your baby's doctor (pediatrician) is the person you turn to for help and answers to your questions. Of course, if you have an emergency exactly at that moment of departure, turn and go back into the hospital for immediate assistance.

Because your baby's doctor takes over the care of your newborn once you're discharged, you must provide the pediatrician's name and phone number for hospital records before your baby can be released. Recording this contact information as soon as your choose a pediatrician will make it easy for you to find it when you need it.

Mom's Pain Medication
Mom, it would be wise to have your pain medication prescription before you're discharged. You can ask to have it called to your pharmacy for easy pick up, or perhaps the hospital out-patient pharmacy will be open when you need them.

In case neither option works out for you (for whatever reasons), it would be helpful to have ibuprofen, the common drug of choice, available at home. First, make sure you are a person who can take ibuprofen. Then, ask your nurse or doctor if ibuprofen is appropriate for you, how much you should take, and how often you should take it based on your prescription. Your physician should be able to clarify any questions. It will be easier to meet the challenges of that first day, and night, at home if your pain is under control.

Now You Know
Hopefully this list and information will give you some insight into what to expect, what to pack, and how to plan for taking your newborn home. It's such an exciting day!

For you and yours,

D. Fravert, RN, BSN

www.newbornbabymanual.com

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?