The Role of a Neonatal Nurse for Home Visits

The goal of a neonatal home visit is to ensure the current and future health and safety of mother and child. The neonatal nurse does this through observation, examination and personal interviews.

Patient Education

• In many instances, new mothers can leave the hospital with unanswered questions. Neonatal nurses answer those questions and address any new concerns about the baby's care and health.

Physical Exam of the Baby

• Neonatal nurses examine the baby to make sure they are doing well at home. They recommend home care, medications, doctor's visits or hospitalizations if they observe a medical problem with the baby.

Partial Physical Exam of the Mom

• It is common for neonatal nurses to partially examine the mother. They may check on several things ranging from sores/pain from breastfeeding to the cesarean incision healing progress.

Environmental Observation

• Neonatal nurses observe the home environment to look for any potential safety risks to baby such as cigarette smoking or choking/suffocation hazards in or near the baby's crib.

Mental Health Observation

• Since the signs of postpartum depression are difficult to observe in the hospital, neonatal nurses are trained to look for signals at home. They may also ask the mother about her mental well-being.

Supplies and Resources

• Neonatal nurses give mothers supplies they need to care for the baby's medical needs. They also provide a range of other supplies and resources such as condoms or referrals for follow-up visits or support groups.