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What to Expect When Baby Is Admitted in Hospital

For any parent, the very thought of hospitalising the baby or a 'baby-admit-in-hospital' situation can be utterly distressful and shocking. But, if you are equipped with the right knowledge and preparedness, you may be able to navigate the situation easily and calmly. This article discusses few general things parents can expect, if their baby is hospitalized. Read on to know more.

What to Expect?

Just after birth, your baby may develop certain medical emergencies or health conditions, such as breathing troubles, congenital heart defects, pneumonia, jaundice, anaemia, and high fever. In such times, your baby may need immediate hospitalisation. So, what happens to your baby after hospitalisation? These are certain things that you can expect —

• During Admission

At the time of admission, you will be asked for the baby’s medical history, the symptoms your infant is experiencing, and other details of the health issue. Also, you may be asked to fill out mandatory paperwork. Carry all the recent medical records, such as test reports, to help the medical team diagnose correctly and start the treatment promptly. Further, during this time, staff at the hospital may help you understand the admission process, inform you about the possible duration of the baby's stay, and conduct immediate tests or procedures if needed.

• Hospital Settings

Your little one may find the hospital settings new, unexpected, and intimidating. However, nowadays, hospitals are incorporating child-friendly interiors within their paediatric ward. The walls may have hanging toys or wallpapers depicting brightly-coloured cartoon characters to attract and comfort the babies. At the hospital, you will come across various professionals, such as paediatricians, child life therapists, nurses, and other specialists. Your baby may be provided a private room or a shared ward, depending on the type of hospital and the nature of the ailment he/she is suffering from. In most hospitals, there will be a reclining chair or parent bed to let parents stay close to their little ones.

• Diagnosis & Treatments

To evaluate the baby's condition and assess the degree of sickness, doctors may perform various diagnostic tests, such as imaging scans, blood tests, etc. The treatment plan may involve medications, IV fluids, or other specialised treatment. The medical team will inform you of everything being done for your baby.

• Managing your Emotions

It is difficult for any parent to cope with the baby-admit-in-hospital situation. Take the help of counsellors and support groups if you face difficulty managing your emotions. Although feeling anxious, helpless, and guilty in such situations is natural, you must not keep your stress bottled up. Share your troubled thoughts with your partner, family, and friends. Also, pay attention to your baby, as your presence greatly matters to him/her. Cuddling and comforting your baby can help him/her adjust to the unfamiliar environment.

• Baby’s Discharge & Recovery

After the doctors decide to discharge your baby, they will provide you with vital discharge instructions, including follow-up schedules, medication schedules, and home care tips to speed up recovery for your little one. The recovery may take some time, so you need to be patient. Follow the instructions strictly, and if you notice any symptom post-discharge, do not delay contacting the paediatrician.

Conclusion

Your baby getting hospitalised is a challenging situation for both you and your little one. But, if you are prepared and well-informed, navigating the issue can be easier. Being able to handle the hefty hospital bills to get your baby treated at the best hospital is one crucial aspect of your preparedness and responsibility as a parent. Investing in a comprehensive health insurance plan that can cover the medical expenses and hospitalisation costs for your baby's treatment is one vital step you should take ahead of the actual emergency. Research and compare various plans and choose the one that best matches your needs and budget.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Sources: wakemed.org, clevelandclinic.org, msdmanuals.com, kidshealth.org

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on January 22, 2025