They also bring back feelings that you thought you had dealt with and put to rest. Fears resurface. You replay the other times you were so close to discharge but a setback occurred. You question whether you are capable of doing this at home, on your own. You revisit the time on the ventilator, the IV's, the infections, and the difficulties with feeding. Suddenly the calm and peace you thought you had disappears. It gets replaced with the stress and overwhelm that you remember from weeks ago. You begin to imagine all the things that might possibly happen, rather than stay in the present moment in gratitude for the milestones that have been achieved.
Slow down.
Take three deep breaths.
Yes, it is true, everything is about to change. The team of doctors and nurses, that you relied on to be your eyes and ears when you were away, are now transferring the care of your baby back to you.
They are doing that because they believe in you.
They know you can do it.
They are there to support you in this transition.
Tips To Transitioning Home
1. Begin with the end in mind. Once you begin to see improvement in your baby's health, begin to envision what it will be like to have your son or daughter at home. Ask yourself how you are going to juggle the laundry, the dishes, making dinner, and getting the other children off to school with your baby at home. These questions are not designed to overwhelm, but to begin the preparation process. It is an opportunity to explore the areas of your life where you will need support.
2. Locate resources in your community. While your baby was in the NICU, you may have participated in support groups or took comfort in the support of the bedside nurse. Who will support you after your baby is discharged home? What support groups will you continue to attend that are easily accessible to you?
3. Meet your pediatrician prior to discharge. The medical care for your baby is transferred to the pediatric clinic or pediatrician after discharge. Have you identified who that doctor or team of doctors will be? Depending on the length of stay and the medical condition of your baby you may have multiple appointments to keep, especially in the first few months after discharge. The hospital may make some appointments for you while others you will make on your own. What adjustments in your schedule are needed to get it all done?
4. It may be overwhelming. When you bring your baby home, you have more adjustments to make. With any change fears resurface. Often moms and dads have conflicting feelings. They are excited that the journey in the NICU has come to a close. But has it really? Some moms and dads still remain in a state of anticipation that something will go wrong, so they are unable to enjoy their son or daughter. Some parents have waited so long to be at home that they try to do it all. Transitioning home does not mean that you have to do it all alone. It took a team of staff to make it look so easy to have around the clock feedings and diaper changes. Building your team is one of the keys to a successful transition home.
As you anticipate bringing your baby home, spend a few minutes each day in the plan and prepare stages. Preparation will allow you to have everything in place to build the family you desire.