Nebraska Out-of-Hospital Birth Parent Guide

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​​​​​​​​​This information is provided to support Nebraska families and infants after an out-of-hospital birth, and includes health information, support services, and next steps.​

Important Information

• Nebraska law requires newborn screening for all babies born in the state under Nebraska Revised Statutes 71-519 to 71-524.
• Nebraska does not license providers to attend planned out-of-hospital births.
• This page is for education only. It is not medical or legal advice.
  
  

First Week After Birth

• Complete newborn screening within 24 to 48 hours if possible.
• Have your baby seen by a doctor or clinic within 48 to 72 hours.
• Watch how your baby feeds and how many wet diapers your baby has.
• Watch for jaundice and other signs that your baby may need care.
• Start the birth registration process.
  
  

Medical Home for Your Baby

A medical home means your baby has a regular doctor or clinic. This doctor or clinic can:

• Check your baby's growth and health
• Give vaccines
• Review newborn screening results
• Help when your baby is sick
• Refer your baby to a specialist if needed

If you do not have a doctor yet, you can contact local clinics, pediatric practices, local health departments, or the Nebraska Newborn Screening Program for help.

Newborn Screening

• Nebraska requires newborn screening for every baby.
• This test looks for rare but serious health conditions.
• The test is usually done when a baby is 24 to 48 hours old.
• If the test was not done then, it should still be done as soon as possible.
• Screening is still required even if the baby is older.

If parents do not yet have a primary care provider, they may contact the Nebraska Newborn Screening Program. The program can help arrange screening at a hospital or clinic of the caregiver's choice.

Cost of Newborn Screening

• The Nebraska laboratory fee for the screening test is 89.34 dollars.
• Hospitals or clinics may charge their own fee to collect the sample.
• Ask the hospital or clinic about any extra fees before the test is collected.
  
  

Insurance and WIC

Health Insurance

• If you do not have insurance through an employer, you may qualify for Medicaid.
• Pregnancy Medicaid now covers mothers for 12 months after birth.
• If you do not qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to buy insurance through HealthCare.gov.
• Health insurance helps mothers and babies receive care after birth.

WIC Nutrition Program

• The WIC program helps pregnant people, new mothers, babies, and young children.
• WIC may provide healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education.
• Some families may also receive infant formula when needed.
• You can apply through your local WIC clinic or health department.
  
  

Safe Sleep

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
• Use a firm mattress in a crib or bassinet.
• Keep blankets, pillows, and toys out of the sleep space.
• It is safest for babies to sleep in the same room but not the same bed.
  
  

Warning Signs for Mothers

Get medical care right away if you have:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks more than one pad each hour
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Severe headache or vision problems
• Fever higher than 100.4 F
  
  

Postpartum Mental Health

• Feeling sad or worried after birth can happen.
• If these feelings do not go away or get worse, ask for help.
• You can call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262.
  
  

Birth Registration and Birth Certificate

• Every birth must be registered with Nebraska Vital Records.
• You can apply for a birth certificate after the birth is registered.
• Birth registration is separate from newborn screening.
• Birth certificates are not withheld if newborn screening has not yet been completed.
  
  

​​​​​Other Resources

​Having a baby is an exciting and busy time. The links below can help you learn more about support for Nebraska families.​

For You

For Your Baby

More Help​

Congratulations on your new baby!