When your baby is finally ready to leave the neonatal intensive care unit, more commonly known as the NICU, there are some adjustments that you and your entire family will need to make while getting used to having everyone home finally.
Schedules Really Do Help
During your baby’s time in the NICU, you were all on a pretty firm schedule. There were designated times for everything from bathing to feeding to any medical treatments. Now that you’re home, you’re probably still experiencing benefits from that same general schedule. Having pediatric nursing care coming in to help periodically can help you to continue that schedule in a positive way.
Germs Aren’t Your Friends Right Now
During this time, your baby’s doctor likely has your baby under quarantine. While it might feel excessive, this is for a valid reason. Even seemingly insignificant germs like the common cold could send your baby right back to the hospital. If anyone is feeling under the weather or is dealing with a communicable illness, they should stay elsewhere.
It’s Okay to Turn Visitors Away for a While
Even if you’re not quarantined, you’re probably not feeling up to having many visitors. It’s also okay to not feel up for having any visitors at all. Your new baby is finally home and if you have other children, they’re going to need time to adjust, too. For a few days at least you’re probably going to want to keep things low key with as few visitors as possible.
Ask Family and Friends for Specific Help
Family and friends might be chomping at the bit to meet the new baby, but it might not be possible just yet. One way that they can still pitch in is to literally pitch in. When you get offers of help or when you need help, be really specific about what you need and when you need it. You’re still finding your balance as a family and likely need help with everything from complicated tasks to basic needs like grocery shopping.
Gradually as your baby grows and becomes stronger, your lives will become more normal, but there’s no need to rush anything just yet.
If you or a loved one are considering Pediatric Nursing Care Services in South Miami FL, contact the caring staff at Providence Healthcare Services. We provide services in all of Miami Dade county and the Upper Keys. Call today (305) 680-5349.
