Services
Discharge
After a baby has been in the NICU for a while, parents ask, "When can we take our baby home?"
The NICU doctors take a number of factors into account. Here are the most important:
- The baby needs to weigh about 1800 grams or more. That's about 4 pounds. He/she must be gaining weight steadily.
- The baby must be able to breastfeed or take a bottle.
- The baby must be able to keep his/her body temperature up without an incubator or warmer.
- The baby must be able to breathe on his/her own.
Bonding
The Elizabeth Fisher Room is a special room in the maternity ward. The furnishings give parents the feeling of being at home. The homey atmosphere gives parents an opportunity to bond with their baby before going home. This room is provided on a case by case basis. Please check with the head nurse/charge nurse for information.
Support Programs
The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is a family support program promoting positive parenting and healthy families. Some of its features:
- Individuals with expertise in a variety of topics will come to your home. They have special training in helping young parents.
- The program provides personal and educational services for families with infants and young children.
- The service takes into account the special needs of military families.
- NPSP is available to military families at installations worldwide.
The New Parent Support Program services are confidential, voluntary, and free of charge. The offices of the program are in Building 290 at 37th and Battalion Ave. on Fort Hood. For more information about the program, call (254) 287-2286.
page last modified on: 5/7/2013