top of page

Resources to help you transition from the NICU to everyday life.

Preparing for Home

Leaving the hospital is a milestone—but bringing your baby home can come with a new set of questions, routines, and responsibilities. Whether your child comes home with medications, medical equipment, feeding needs, follow-up care, or simply a schedule that feels completely new, you don’t have to figure everything out at once.

Start with what your family needs today and build from there.

ChatGPT Image Sep 11, 2026, 12_29_32 PM.png

Explore topics and trusted resources to help you feel more prepared and supported at home.

ChatGPT Image Sep 11, 2026, 01_02_46 PM.png

Settling Into Life at Home

Tips and tools to help you establish routines, organize supplies, and adjust to life outside the hospital.

  • Creating a Care Station

  • Managing Routines

  • Important Numbers to Keep Handy

  • Tips for Other Caregivers

​

​

Trusted Resources 

​​

Feeding & Nutrition at Home

Information and supports for feeding plans, supplies, nutrition, and working with your baby’s care team.

  • Breastfeeding & Pumping

  • Bottle Feeding

  • Tube Feeding (NG / G-Tube)

  • Feeding Therapy

​​​

​

Trusted Resources 

​

Medications & Medical Equipment

Resources to help you manage medications and equipment with confidence at home.

  • Medication Tips & Safety

  • Equipment Care & Supplies

  • Traveling with Equipment

  • Where to Get Help

​​

​

 

Trusted Resources 

Appointments, Specialists & Therapies

ChatGPT Image Sep 11, 2026, 01_25_56 PM.png

Stay organized and informed about medical appointments, follow-up care, and therapies.

  • Keeping Track of Appointments

  • Finding Specialists

  • Therapies (PT, OT, Speech, etc.)

  • Developmental Follow-Up

​

​

Trusted Resources 

ChatGPT Image Sep 11, 2026, 01_26_29 PM.png

Home Nursing, Services & Support

Explore services and programs that may be available to support your child and family.

  • Home Health Nursing

  • Early Intervention (Early Steps)

  • Care Coordination

  • Community Resources

​​

​

 

Trusted Resources 

ChatGPT Image Sep 11, 2026, 01_26_56 PM.png

Emergency & Backup Planning

Plan ahead for unexpected situations and know where to turn when concerns arise.

  • Emergency Contacts

  • Backup Caregivers

  • Power Outages & Equipment

  • When to Call the Doctor

​​​​​

​

​

Trusted Resources ​

ChatGPT Image Sep 11, 2026, 01_39_35 PM.png

Growing Through the Journey

Development, therapies, diagnosis & milestones

Family & Emotional Support

Support for parents, caregivers, & siblings

This resource was created by a NICU parent and advocate, with lived experience navigating neonatal care, medical language, and family support gaps.

Content is intended for emotional support and education and does not replace medical guidance.

The Next Journey
copyright 2026
contact: 954-647-3553
email: christiana@thenextjourney.org

 

bottom of page