Preparing for Discharge

Preparing for Discharge

If your baby was born less than 37 weeks gestation, he or she must have a car seat test before going home. About one week prior to discharge, we will ask you to bring your baby's car seat to the NICU so that we may use it for the test.

Also before discharge, your baby may require a hearing screening and an eye exam. Check with your baby's nurse to determine if these tests are needed.

• Infant Hearing Screens
  Click here for more information on the newborn hearing screenings.

Infant CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) classes will be offered during your baby's stay in the NICU. We strongly recommend that all parents and others who will be caring for your baby attend this class.

• Infant CPR Classes
  Click here for details on the infant/child CPR classes and other classes offered on a regular basis at no charge for NICU families.

Follow-up After Discharge

While your baby is in the NICU, your baby's nurse may ask you to allow your baby to participate in the Child Service Coordination Program. Developed by doctors and nurses in health department and hospitals, this program helps us learn more about a baby's progress after discharge and provides additional healthcare during the first year, if needed. If you give permission for your baby to participate in the program, your baby's nurse will complete a form that will be sent to your local health department.

Follow-up Clinics

Some of our infants, particularly those born prematurely or being discharged with special equipment such as an apnea monitor or on oxygen, may be referred to special follow-up clinics. These clinics, the Special Infant Care Clinic (SICC) and the Premature Infant Care Clinic (PICC) are located at Amos Cottage, on the Forsyth Medical Center campus. If your infant qualifies for follow-up at one of these clinics, you will be given an appointment date and more information prior to your child's discharge from the nursery.

Baby's Dicharge Day

Your baby's discharge day will be exciting, but may be hectic. Here are a few suggestions to help the day go smoothly:

• Bring clothes that will be comfortable for your baby and appropriate for weather conditions
• Bring your own blankets
• Have a car seat properly installed in your car
• If possible, bring someone along to help carry things to the car
• Bring the bracelet that was placed on your wrist at delivery
• When you arrive at the hospital, go to the cashiers' window (on the first floor) and inform them that your baby is being discharged
• Come to the nursery to get your baby

Looking for a doctor for your baby?

It is very important for you to decide who your baby's doctor will be well before your baby is ready for discharge.

• Physician Finder
  Click here to find a pediatrician or family physician for your baby.
  
• Out of town?
  Talk to your baby's doctor or nurse for a list of physicians for your baby in your area.