The soonest we could anticipate bringing our baby home will be six weeks following the transplant, although depending on so many scenarios and possibilities it could be longer.  We'll hope for the best and roll with the ups and downs of this rollercoaster ride called, 'life'.

As the baby's immune system is compromised there are many precautionary measures we will need to take to ensure the health and well-being of our beautiful baby.  

Prior to bringing our baby home, following are some 'rules' the hospital has suggested we live by for the first year to two years following transplant:

• Remove all houseplants as they can harbour germs in the soil.

• Hardwood or laminate flooring is preferable over carpets, however if you have carpets ensure they are vacuumed daily and shampooed on a regular basis.

• Ensure all windows are free from mold.  If you have curtains or blinds ensure they are kept clean.

• Thoroughly clean/dust surface areas daily.

• It was suggested to us that our cat will need to go to one of our relatives for at least 6 months after the baby comes home as it can carry germs/disease from other cats and litter-box.

• Thorough cleansing of hands (lots of soap and warm water), particularly before food preparation, eating, after touching pets, sneezing, using the washroom, and changing diapers.

• If handling raw meat or fish, wash your hands again before moving on to the rest of the food preparation.

• Use a soft nailbrush to clean under nails where germs can collect.

• Remove rings before washing hands.

• Don't let your child accept unwrapped food from the hands of someone else.

• Use only pasteurized milk and cheese.

• Use a different cutting board for meat, fish and poultry (no wood).

• Wash dishtowels and kitchen sponges daily (use a bit of bleach).

• Use dishwasher if possible.

• Wash fruits and vegetables very well before eating.  Be careful with storing fruits and vegetables, once they mold they emit airborne toxins.

• Keep a solution of 2 tsps bleach in a litre of water in a spray bottle.  Use this on boards that have had meat on them.  Rinse thoroughly.

• Don't share glasses, spoons, towels, etc.

• No one who is sick can visit (ie. no cold/flu or any other infectious disease).

• Your child will not be able to attend daycare, school, malls, populated public areas, and keeping visitors down to no more than five at one time.

• Children who have recently been vaccinated within the last month will not be able to be near your baby as the virus is still live.
  

This all seems a lot to take into consideration, however it seems such a small price to pay especially knowing that the result is a long, healthy, happy life for your beautiful child and a future filled with hopes, wishes & dreams...

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