After the NICU

Preparing for Home

Before leaving the NICU, we'll prepare you so that you feel comfortable taking care of your little one(s) at home.

A nurse will also give you special training if you need to perform special procedures for your baby following discharge.

Once at home, please call your pediatrician if you have any questions. Our discharge coordinator will set up an appointment for you with your local family pediatrician after you take your baby home. 

If you don't have a pediatrician, learn more about our providers within the UC San Diego Health network.

Follow-up Program

You will have appointments with your baby's primary care provider and possibly, appointments with other specialists. You will be given a list of upcoming appointments and/or phone numbers to call to schedule appointments if needed.

Many infants cared for in the NICU will continue being seen through our NICU Follow-Up and Early Development Clinic until they are six months old, according to their due date (their "corrected" or "adjusted" age). This program will evaluate their development and muscle strength, and help teach families how to help your child grow and develop.