Neonatal Follow-Up
Babies graduating from the NICU receive added support from the neonatal follow-up clinic at
Lutheran Children's Hospital. This clinic is specifically for infants who started life with more intensive medical needs. Our providers work each baby’s primary care physician to ensure baby is growing and developing to his or her full potential.
Baby’s first visit will be three to four weeks after discharge. It will last about 90 minutes and will include time with:
- A physician or pediatric nurse practitioner, who will evaluate baby’s developmental progress since discharge
- A dietitian, who will discuss baby’s feedings and ensure he or she is getting all of the nutrition needed to maximize growth and development
- A social worker, who will help with any insurance issues and ensure that any needed social services are in place
- A speech pathologist, a lactation consultant, an occupational therapist or a physical therapist as needed
Infants continue to visit the clinic at routine intervals for developmental screenings with physical and occupational therapists. In addition, the other medical professionals listed above provide ongoing care as your baby’s needs continue to change. A full report is sent to the parents and the primary care physician following each visit.