Discharge planning of the preterm infant

Abstract

“When will my baby come home?” is one of the most common questions asked by parents of preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While the hospital course varies based on the gestational age at birth and the attainment of “physiological maturity,” the aim of this statement is to provide guidance for the safe discharge of infants born before 37 weeks. The discharge process should start at the time of admission to NICU, and with a plan for assessing physiological markers including thermoregulation, control of breathing, respiratory stability, and adequate weight gain as an indication of feeding skills. Importantly, the infant’s family unit is a crucial part of the care team and their involvement in the NICU will promote confidence, decrease anxiety, increase resilience, and help ensure a safe discharge environment.