Addenbrooke's Hospital
Research and Development
The Rosie Hospital
Neonatal Services
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
Neonatal screening and support services
Community support
Caring for your baby at home
Outpatients and follow-up
Frequently asked questions - Community support
Acute Neonatal Transfer Service (ANTS)Premrose Parent Support GroupUseful neonatal linksHow to support Neonatal Services
Frequently asked questions
Community support
1. When will my baby go home?
If your baby has been born prematurely or has other more specific medical needs it is possible to go home earlier but with the support of the community neonatal team.
When the staff on the unit are happy for your baby to go home we have facilities for you to 'room in' with your baby. This enables you to have one or two nights and days practice caring for your baby independently, but within easy access of staff should you have any questions and helps build up your confidence.
2. Can I take my baby home with a feeding tube?
Your baby may be gaining weight, maintaining his temperature and have no other significant problems but still requires to use a feeding tube for some of his feeds.
If he is managing at least two full feeds independently of the tube(at the breast or by bottle) within a 24 hour period and you live in Cambridge or in any of the surrounding villages ( see map) and have telephone contact we can support you at home. We provide you with all the necessary equipment for tube feeding and will visit you at home at least twice a week initially and help you with the gradual weaning from the tube
3. What happens if my baby pulls out the tube at home?
If your baby should pull out his tube at a weekend or evening we would advise you to phone SCBU 01223 217 681 for advice and if necessary would ask you to bring the baby back for a replacement tube.
4. Can my baby go home with oxygen?
A small number of babies who need extra help with breathing will go home 'on oxygen'. This will be discussed with you before any plans are made. Oxygen can be supplied at home and the community neonatal team and community paediatric nursing teams under supervision of a paediatrician would support you in this. You would not be expected to do anything at home that had not already been explained and shown to you by a health professional.
For more information see BLISS publication 'Going home on oxygen' to order tel 08707700337 or ask on unit.
5. How long do the community neonatal team give support at home?
This depends on each individual baby. Babies who go home with a feeding tube usually have at least 2 visits a week. Other babies are seen as often as is needed.
We continue with the advice that is given in hospital, advise on feeding issues and give other advice pertaining to your baby's growth and development and weigh your baby. The team meet regularly with your baby's paediatrician to discuss progress.
When we are happy that your baby is feeding well from you or a bottle, gaining weight and thriving we hand over care to the health visitor.
