Once your baby goes home, the High Risk team will remain in close contact with you. The program’s nurse practitioners will call weekly to see how you and your baby are doing. They will ask questions about oxygen saturation, feeding, and weight gain. You can call us at any time if you have questions or concerns.
As part of the program, your baby will have cardiology clinic appointments about every two weeks. These appointments alternate between the High Risk Clinic and your primary cardiologist. As part of these visits, your baby will also have an echocardiogram at least once a month, and periodic electrocardiograms (ECGs) and chest X-rays as needed. Additionally, you will also have regular visits with your baby’s pediatrician.
Diagnostic Testing:
Your baby will have various tests performed during the Interstage period. These may include the following:
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram
- Holter Monitor
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac MRI or CT Scans
Follow-up:
- Neurodevelopment:
We want your baby to have the resources they need early on. Before you leave the hospital, your baby will have an assessment by physical therapy. You will also receive developmental plans and be referred to the Neurodevelopment Clinic.
- Routine Health Care:
While your baby’s heart may be at the forefront of your mind, your baby needs. regular checkups, too. This includes routine vaccinations and visits to your baby’s primary care doctor. We also recommend close family members get a flu shot to protect your baby from getting the flu or other illnesses. We also recommend your family members update their DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) status.
Graduating from the High Risk Clinic:
After your baby’s second heart surgery, at about 4 to 6 months old, they will be out of the Interstage period. You’ll transition out of the High Risk program but will continue to see your baby’s primary cardiologist. Every baby’s course after surgery is different, but often, clinic appointments are less frequent and home monitoring isn’t needed. anymore.
To help with this transition, one of the High Risk Clinic nurse practitioners will continue to call once a month until your baby’s first birthday to make sure your questions are answered. But remember, you are never alone. If you have questions or concerns, you can always contact us and someone will help you know what to do.