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Anticipatory Guidance
Home and Family Life

WHAT WILL THINGS LOOK LIKE WHEN WE GO HOME?

Work with the family to develop a realistic understanding of how to care for their child at home.

Some ideas to reach this goal include the following:
 

  • Create a first month at-a-glance calendar that contains important daily life events (e.g., feeding times, medication administration times, appointments, etc.).

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  • Discuss the number of follow-up and specialist appointments the baby will have, who they will be with, and where they will be. Explain which appointments will be appointments in the home and  which will be an office or hospital visit. 

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  • Explain that the baby and family will need time to adapt to their new environment and there may initially be some changes in the child’s behaviors, including feeding and sleeping behavior.

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What will things look like when we go home?

Understanding baby's cue

How to console an infant... and what to do when the crying doesn't stop

Preparing for emergencies and staying safe

Adapting to the "new normal" and
coping with complicated emotions

Managing medical bills and the "hidden costs" of the NICU

What Will Home and Family Life Look Like?

Provide a realistic idea of what life will be like during the immediate and more longer-term period following discharge including:

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  • Expected number and types of physician visits for routine infant health care and illness or specialized care. 

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  • Anticipated infant developmental milestones and the range of age when it is normal for them to achieve these milestones. 

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  • Anticipated and potential infant developmental and/or growth related challenges. 

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  • Activities expected during the first year of the infant’s life to help their baby grow and develop both physically and socially.

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