The happy day has arrived and you and your baby are going home from the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). To help you prepare for this big event, the following are some helpful tips and instructions.

What to Expect from the Staff
You will have received instructions/demonstration on baby care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, safety, and cord and circumcision care (as appropriate).

• If your baby is being discharged with medication, you will receive instructions/demonstration on medication administration.

• One of the medical staff will examine your baby. The results of this exam, along with results of blood tests, hearing tests, etc. will appear on a form for you to sign. Take a copy of this form to the follow-up appointment with your private pediatrician.

• Follow-up appointments will be made with a visiting nurse, if you desire, and any specialists your baby requires.

• If your baby is being discharged on oxygen, an apnea monitor, or other equipment, the social worker will make arrangements prior to discharge.

• You will have the opportunity to stay overnight prior to discharge and care for your baby with the assistance and support of our staff.

• On the day of discharge, a staff nurse will carry your baby downstairs and help you to your car. You may use the emergency parking lot at the time of discharge.

What We Expect from You
• Make an appointment with your private pediatrician prior to discharge. Provide us with his/her name and the follow-up appointment date.

• If you wish to have your baby circumcised prior to discharge, please call your obstetrician to request this procedure. Circumcisions should be performed the day before discharge or early on the morning of discharge.

• Bring a cooler to transport frozen breast milk that has been stored here for your baby. You may want to take this home on the day before discharge to reduce the volume of things you have to carry.

• Bring clothing, blankets, etc. to dress your baby for going home. The hospital does not provide hats, shirts or blankets. These items may be purchased from Newborn Connections if you forget them (located at 3698 California St., 1st floor).

• Bring a car seat in which to safely transport your baby home. You may want to bring this in the day before discharge in order to practice using it (i.e., adjusting the straps, etc.). The staff will help you with this process.

• Discharge time is 11:00 am. Please have transportation arrangements made to leave by this time. On rare occasions, when awaiting lab results or final medication doses, babies may be discharged in the late afternoon. We will let you know if this is true for your baby.