It's finally coming.

The day you get to bring your baby home.

You've been waiting and hoping for it, but now that the day is getting close, it's normal to feel a little bit of fear and a whole lot of worry. And that's okay.

It can help to know that the N-I-C-U, or NICK-yoo, care team is making plans for your baby to go home because your baby is ready.

How do they know?

Your baby keeps gaining weight.

And your baby's body temperature, heart, and breathing rates are staying normal.

What about you?

The NICU staff will make sure that you're ready too.

You'll meet with the staff to go through your baby's care plan.

The plan will include information about checkups, specialist care, any ongoing tests your baby will need, and who to call if there's a problem.

This is a great time to ask questions.

When most babies go home, they are able to be fed by mouth and to breathe on their own.

But if your baby is going home with medical equipment, the NICU staff will teach you everything you need to know to set up and use the equipment.

They'll review the directions for any of your baby's medicines.

You may also learn infant CPR.

And the staff will make sure you have what you need to safely drive with your baby in the car.

Sometimes babies need extra care at home.

So the NICU team will help arrange home-based health care, home visits, and other support if your baby needs it.

After having so many people at your baby's side in the NICU, you may be worried about what's next.

But the NICU staff will help you get ready to give your baby the best care possible, at home.