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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Discharge criteria for the term newborn
Michael A Friedman1, Alan R Spitzer
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Health Sciences Center T11-060, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8111, USA. michael.friedman@stonybrook.edu
Insights
The transition from womb to world is challenging for newborns. This review covers newborn and maternal issues, focusing on early discharge concerns and optimal timing for healthy infant release.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology and adaptation
- Maternal-newborn health
- Healthcare discharge planning
Background:
- Birth is a significant physiological stressor for newborns, requiring adaptation to extrauterine life.
- Families need preparation for newborn care at home shortly after birth.
- Early discharge from the hospital presents unique challenges for the mother-newborn dyad.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological and social challenges faced by newborns and mothers.
- To discuss issues specifically related to early hospital discharge.
- To propose criteria for the safe discharge timing of healthy, full-term neonates.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of physiological and social aspects of newborn adaptation.
- Analysis of challenges associated with early maternal-newborn discharge.
- Development of suggested discharge criteria for well neonates.
Main Results:
- Newborns experience immense physiological strain transitioning to extrauterine life.
- Successful adaptation and family preparedness are crucial for home care.
- Early discharge necessitates careful consideration of maternal and infant readiness.
Conclusions:
- Discharge timing for well term neonates should balance early transition home with adequate support.
- Criteria for discharge should encompass both infant well-being and family preparedness.
- Addressing physiological and social factors is key to a smooth postpartum transition.
Abstract:
The birthing process represents a traumatic eviction from the warm, quiet womb with a constant supply of food to the cold, bright world with nothing to eat. Tremendous physiologic strains are suddenly placed on the newborn infant. In a time frame of a few days, the neonate must transition successfully to extrauterine life, and the family must be prepared for the care of their newborn at home. This article reviews the physiologic and social issues that face the newborn and mother, discusses the specific issues created by early discharge, and provides suggested criteria for the timing of discharge of the well term neonate.
