Transitional care is when you and your baby stay together in hospital with support from the hospital staff. It means that your baby is well enough to stay with you either on the post natal ward or a room near the neonatal unit. You will be in hospital with your baby. Common reasons for a baby requiring transitional care include:
babies born early between 33 and 35 weeks
babies with jaundice requiring treatment
babies needing antibiotic treatment
babies requiring extra support with their feeding.
Your baby will be reviewed regularly by one of the neonatal doctors or nurses whilst they are in transitional care and the treatment plan will be discussed with you.Some babies may need more care than can be provided on the post natal ward or in transitional care and they are admitted to the neonatal unit. The main reasons for a baby to be admitted are that they are born prematurely, have a low birth weight or have a specific medical condition which needs treatment in hospital. When your baby is admitted one of the neonatal team will be able to update you on your baby’s condition and progress. You will be able to visit your baby at any time on the neonatal unit.Babies admitted to a neonatal unit receive care according to what they need. If your baby is born extremely preterm or are very sick after delivery they may need an increased level of care. If they need specialist care your baby may need to be moved (often called transferred) to another hospital. The doctors from the neonatal unit will discuss this with you.
Transitional care is when you and your baby stay together in hospital with support from the hospital staff. It means that your baby is well enough to stay with you either on the post natal ward or a room near the neonatal unit. You will be in hospital with your baby. Common reasons for a baby requiring transitional care include: