Bringing your baby home after a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a moment of joy, relief, and often a little worry. Whether your baby was born prematurely or required extra support in the early days, leaving the hospital can feel like stepping into the unknown.

At Somerset Clinic in Dubai, we don’t provide intensive care services ourselves, but we do offer specialised post-discharge support. Our team of experienced paediatric and neonatal specialists are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you feel confident and supported as you care for your little one at home.

What to Expect After NICU Discharge

Many babies who spend time in the NICU go on to thrive with no long-term issues. However, some may still need a bit of extra care or monitoring once they’re home. This can include:

– Regular weight and growth checks
– Feeding assessments and support
– Follow-up for jaundice, reflux or breathing concerns
– Immunisation schedules
– Developmental monitoring

At home, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. You may feel thrilled to finally have your baby with you, but also anxious about recognising signs that something might not be right. That’s where ongoing professional support becomes so important.

Feeding Your Baby at Home

Feeding can be one of the biggest challenges after a NICU stay, especially if your baby is still adjusting to breast or bottle feeding. Some babies may tire easily, need smaller feeds more often, or have reflux symptoms.

If feeding feels difficult or your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected, don’t struggle alone. Our team at Somerset Clinic can help with feeding plans, reflux management, and advice that suits your baby’s needs and your family’s routine.

Sleep and Settling

Newborn sleep is rarely simple, and for NICU graduates, it can be even more unsettled at first. Some babies need time to adjust to a new environment after weeks of hospital lights and sounds.

Creating a calm, consistent sleep space and routine can help. Gentle settling techniques, swaddling advice, and knowing what’s normal for your baby’s age can make a big difference. Our paediatricians are happy to discuss any sleep concerns you may have.

When to Seek Medical Advice

You know your baby best. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to ask. Common signs that may need a review include:
– Difficulty feeding or refusing feeds
– Vomiting or signs of reflux after every feed
– Breathing that seems too fast or too shallow
– Yellowing of the skin or eyes
– Not meeting developmental milestones
Even if your concerns feel small, our doctors are here to reassure and guide you. Early support can make all the difference.

Ongoing Post-NICU Support at Somerset Clinic

We offer post-NICU follow-up appointments with both paediatricians and neonatologists. These check-ups are designed to monitor your baby’s growth, development, and overall well-being.

For expat parents in Dubai, we aim to provide the kind of continuity and communication you might expect from a trusted family clinic back home.

You can also speak with our doctors about immunisations, nutrition, colic, sleep, and any other day-to-day questions. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

Wrapping Things Up

Every baby’s journey is unique. If your newborn has spent time in the NICU, your love, care, and presence are just as important now as the hospital care they received.

At Somerset Clinic, we are here to help you navigate those early weeks with confidence. Whether you’re looking for a routine check-up or more specialised follow-up, our experienced team is ready to help.

To book a consultation with one of our team of consultants who can help, you can get in touch.