PREMATURE BABIES: BRINGING THE INFANT HOME

You finally get to bring your baby home! Your pediatrician will approve the discharge of your baby from the hospital, based on the following guidelines.

Your baby should be:

· Breathing on her own,

· Able to maintain body temperature,

· Able to be fed by breast or bottle, and

· Gaining weight steadily at time of discharge.

Other medical problems should also be resolved, or home care should be set up before your baby leaves the hospital.

Your pediatrician will talk with you before your baby leaves the hospital. Be sure that he or she explains the following:

· How to care for your baby at home

· When to call his or her office or go to the hospital

· How to know if your baby is eating properly, getting enough sleep and gaining enough weight

· What medicines to give, if any are needed

· How often you will need to bring your baby in for an exam

Regular contact with your pediatrician is very important to your child's health. Be sure to discuss any worries that you have about your baby.

Some premature babies need monitors and other equipment at home. For example, if apnea is a problem, monitoring may be done at home. Some babies may also need to go home with oxygen or other treatments. You and other caregivers will be trained on how to take care of your child's special needs before you take her home. You will also be taught how to perform infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Before heading for home, premature infants should be observed in a car seat to see if the semi-reclined position adds to or causes breathing problems. If your pediatrician recommends that your baby lie flat during travel, a crash-tested car bed may be used for a short period.

The back seat is the only safe place for babies. Whenever possible, an adult should ride in the back seat next to your baby to watch her closely. Depending on your baby's condition, you may want to limit her amount of car travel for the first month or two at home. You can check this with your pediatrician.

When it comes to a feeding schedule, premature babies need to be fed more often. And it will take a little while for them to adjust to being at home. Accept any offers of help around the house during the first few weeks, so you can take time to get used to having a new baby in the house.

Your baby also needs plenty of sleep in order to grow and develop.  He will rest easier — and you will, too — if you follow a few simple rules when you put your baby down for a nap or for the night.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy infants be placed on their backs to sleep. Babies who are placed on their stomachs to sleep are at higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Placing babies on their backs to sleep does not increase the risk of other problems (for example, choking, flat head, or poor sleep). However, premature infants with certain medical problems (such as lung problems) may need to sleep on their side. Whether your baby sleeps on his back or side, a certain amount of "tummy time" is needed when he is awake. Ask your pediatrician about the best sleeping position for your baby.

In addition to proper sleeping position, you can reduce the risk of SIDS by:

· Keeping blankets, pillows, soft bedding, and large stuffed toys out of your baby's crib;

· Making sure your baby's room is not too hot or too cold;

· Not smoking in your home;

· Getting regular health care for your child; and

· Breastfeeding.