Depends on the hospital and their policies. Mine it's just whenever the baby is breathing and eating fine on it's own and no apnea issues. If they are under 5 lbs they have to go home in a special carseat bed that the hospital has.
My NICU's criteria was maintaining body temp, taking all feeds (at least 20cc's of BM/formula) by mouth for 48 hrs, and no apnea/brady spells (I think for a week? could be wrong on that, though, we never had those problems). They also had to pass a car seat test - sitting in their car seat for 1hr while on the monitor and having no issues. Weight wasn't a criteria, my DD came home at 3lb 14oz. We did have to get a different car seat, ours was rated for 5lbs+ and we had to buy one for 4lbs+.
I don't know much about preemies but I don't think there are weight requirements for babies leaving a hospital. They are born at all different weights so I don't think that would make much sense if you had to wait till they were all say, 8 lbs. or something.
I don't know much about preemies but I don't think there are weight requirements for babies leaving a hospital. They are born at all different weights so I don't think that would make much sense if you had to wait till they were all say, 8 lbs. or something.
No, some hospitals do have weights, it's usually like 4 or 5lbs, and I think the majority of NICUs don't.
Re: heading home?
My NICU's criteria was maintaining body temp, taking all feeds (at least 20cc's of BM/formula) by mouth for 48 hrs, and no apnea/brady spells (I think for a week? could be wrong on that, though, we never had those problems). They also had to pass a car seat test - sitting in their car seat for 1hr while on the monitor and having no issues. Weight wasn't a criteria, my DD came home at 3lb 14oz. We did have to get a different car seat, ours was rated for 5lbs+ and we had to buy one for 4lbs+.
Here's DD on coming home day! Tiny
No, some hospitals do have weights, it's usually like 4 or 5lbs, and I think the majority of NICUs don't.
Thanks gals for the information. My LO is 4lbs on the fetal growth scan. I just hope she gains a few more lbs before I have her.