Discharge Planning
Depending on your baby’s heart condition, hospital stay after birth may be as short as a couple of days, or may be as long as weeks to months. The type of heart disease, surgery, prematurity, genetic syndrome or other problems contribute to this. For every baby, discharge home happens when baby is able to:
- Breathe comfortably and with safe oxygen levels
- Gain weight on a home-going feeding plan
- Regulate their own temperature in a regular baby crib
- Family is comfortable with care
The hospital staff will talk with you about your baby’s goals for discharge and will make sure you and your baby are ready for home. As needed, therapists, lactation consultants and social workers will help with resources and give ideas for continued care. You will need to choose a pediatrician for your baby before going home. The medical team will help to make your first pediatrician appointment, as well as appointments for cardiology clinic (any any other clinics). Your baby may need heart tests (echocardiogram or EKG) before going home, or these may be scheduled for after your baby is home.
Discharge Education
- You will need to do CPR training in the Columbus Blue Jackets Family Resource Center before you leave.
- Your medical team will teach you how to give well-baby care, feed your child and about the medicines that your baby is taking.
- You will learn signs and symptoms to watch for at home, as well as when to call and when to bring your child directly to the hospital.