Corey and I are excited to have one of our preemies home and we know you share in our excitement! I have taken this information from the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation and have modified it slightly for our family:
Though we have left the NICU, we have brought home many of the practices and habits that we learned there. Our medical team has told us that we must be very careful in the weeks and months ahead, since we want to protect Katharina’s health and development. As we have mentioned before, illnesses that are minor irritants for term children can send preemies back to the hospital, which is something we all want to avoid. The way we care for Katharina may seem different than what you are used to or what you may have done with your children, but our actions are based on medical advice that is specific to her (and Calvin) and our family. We appreciate your support, acceptance and understanding.
We will be following advice about limiting visitors over the next few months. Big events with many people are not suitable for a vulnerable preemie, so it is much easier for us to visit in small groups or to host a single visitor. If we are able to have you over, please ensure the following:
1) Please be completely healthy. If you have a cold (even a minor one) or think you might be getting ill, please postpone the visit to a later date. If you are not sure, please ask us, and please don’t be offended if we suggest postponement.
2) Please wash your hands upon entering our home, and please be thoughtful about hand hygiene during your visit. We have hand sanitizer in multiple locations in our home and will remind you to use it often!
3) Please do not wear any perfume or cologne. Katharina’s respiratory system is vulnerable and these scents are very strong and overpowering to her. If you smoke, we ask that you please refrain from smoking before or during a visit with us. Her lungs are very sensitive and cannot take even the smell of second-hand smoke.
4) We will be following our doctor’s recommendations regarding vaccinating and medicating our child and our family, and we would appreciate it if you would support us in this.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and your help. We are also grateful for the support you showed us during our NICU stay and continue to show us as we push on with Calvin’s health struggles. We look forward to seeing you soon!
The Hughes Family 