Things to Know When You Take a Newborn Home From Hospital

Your newborn: Bringing baby dwelling

Good for you, full-term babies (at to the lowest degree 37 weeks gestation) can usually go home from the hospital old betwixt 24 and 48 hours after birth. Some late preterm babies (born between 34 and 36 weeks gestation) may be healthy enough to go domicile after a short stay (at least 48 hours) as well.

Babies born by Caesarean section (and their mothers) or babies who have wellness complications may stay in the hospital a scrap longer.

Babies born before 34 weeks gestation need longer in-hospital care. If your babe was born this early, you may experience particularly nervous about bringing them home. Your health intendance squad volition work closely with you to develop a program that helps you sympathise your infant's unique health needs and experience confident about bringing them home.

What should I do to prepare for my baby?

Many new parents take prenatal classes earlier the nascency of their offset baby. The classes assistance prepare y'all for the nativity and provide information about basic newborn intendance. While each class is different, they ordinarily include advice on feeding, common illnesses, day-to-day care, and car seat safety.

Consider learning about resource for new parents in your area. Many local public health offices offer support with breastfeeding and can answer questions virtually your baby's wellness and well-existence. Community centres often have programs where you can come across other new parents.

Before your baby is born, yous should determine who will provide your baby's regular ongoing health care. In most parts of Canada, your infant volition see either a paediatrician or family doctor for routine care. Midwives may provide newborn treat a baby'south first 4 to six weeks.

Some other decisions to make earlier your due date:

• whether to breastfeed,
• if yous have a boy, whether to take him circumcised,
• sleeping arrangements,
• how to set pets and siblings for the new family unit fellow member, and
• whether to use cloth or disposable diapers.

The decorated days after childbirth are not the best time to make these decisions. If yous have a partner, discuss ahead of time and get comfortable with your decisions then that you can focus on your babe in their first days instead of these bug.

To bring your baby home in a vehicle, you lot should have a properly installed rear-facing motorcar seat. Be sure you know how to safely secure your baby.

What will happen before I bring my baby home?

Before you get dwelling house, infirmary staff will check that your baby:

• has a normal temperature,
• is not at high risk of developing jaundice,
• has had a moisture diaper and passed a bowel move,
• has received all necessary medications, including vitamin 1000 to prevent bleeding, and an ointment to prevent centre infection,
• has received any necessary vaccines (such every bit hepatitis B),
• is eating well and has had at least ii successful feedings,
• has had all screening tests for certain treatable diseases. All newborns in Canada are tested for hypothyroidism (a affliction caused by not producing plenty thyroid hormone) and PKU (a disease where the body cannot use a natural amino acid important for baby's growth). In some provinces and territories, babies are screened for other conditions as well and may receive a hearing screening test. Your doctor tin tell yous which tests your baby will receive.

If your infant was born preterm, doctors will brand sure your baby is healthy enough to get dwelling house. This includes making certain your infant:

• is breathing well,
• has a stable torso temperature,
• is feeding well, and
• has not lost a lot of weight afterward nascence or is steadily gaining weight.

Preterm babies likewise accept newborn screening and hearing tests washed earlier belch home. Depending on how preterm your baby was, other tests may be washed also.

Your ain doctor will check to make certain y'all are well. New moms should know the signs and symptoms of any complications they may develop, feel comfortable caring for their new baby, and have started to feel comfortable with breastfeeding (if breastfeeding) before leaving the hospital.

Don't feel rushed to leave the hospital. Be sure all your questions are answered earlier you become home.

What should nosotros remember when we get home?

It's normal to feel nervous when you starting time bring your baby dwelling house. Try to protect this fourth dimension for you and your family and so that you can adjust to all the changes.

Remember:

• New babies can get ill hands. Try to keep your baby abroad from anyone who has cold or flu symptoms.
• Launder your hands often to assistance protect your baby. Ask others to do the same.

When should I take my infant for a beginning doctor'due south visit?

A health care provider should check your babe inside the beginning 48-72 hours of leaving the hospital or at whatsoever bespeak if you experience your babe isn't well.

If your infant was born preterm, you will develop a plan for follow-up intendance with your health intendance team before your baby leaves the hospital. They will also brand sure you recognize the early signs or symptoms of any problems.

At the first visit your wellness intendance provider will:

• Weigh your infant and mensurate their length and head circumference, if this was not done in hospital.
• Check for signs of jaundice.
• Cheque on how feeding is going for yous and your baby.
• Practice a physical wellness exam.
• Ask how the family is adjusting to the new infant.
• Complete any screening tests non done at the hospital.

This visit doesn't have to be with your regular paediatrician or family physician. The examination can be done by the doctor at the infirmary where you gave nascency, your midwife or a public health nurse. And information technology might be at home, in the office or in a infirmary clinic. If your babe doesn't run across their regular doc at this visit, information technology will happen soon after.

Reviewed past the post-obit CPS committees

• Community Paediatrics Committee
• Fetus and Newborn Committee

Last updated: August 2021

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Source: https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/bringing_baby_home

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