Top 4 Strategies to Help You Navigate Your Newborn’s NICU Stay
Having a baby is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming experience, especially if the baby ends up in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Babies often go to the NICU because of low birth weight or being born prematurely, but there are other reasons too. In the NICU, babies are usually placed in incubators, which sometimes means their parents can’t hold them right away. This can be a stressful time for parents, affecting their sleep and emotional health. However, there are ways to cope and support both the baby and themselves.
Get to Know the NICU
Familiarizing yourself with the NICU where your baby is staying can be incredibly helpful. If you know in advance that your baby might need NICU care, try to visit the unit beforehand. Since not everyone can access the NICU, it’s a good idea to contact the NICU supervisor to arrange a tour. Even if you couldn’t visit before the baby’s birth, the supervisor or a nurse can guide you through the equipment and procedures, like how the incubators and ventilators work.
Learn About the Hospital
It’s crucial, especially for breastfeeding moms, to maintain proper nutrition and hydration for both physical and emotional well-being. Getting to know the hospital and the NICU staff can make a big difference. Find out where to get food and water, the locations of support groups, where you can sleep, and where to find phones and computers to stay in touch with family.
Spend Time with Your Baby
Many parents worry that they won’t be able to hold or feed their baby while in the NICU, but this isn’t always the case. Although it might take a while before you can hold your baby, moms and dads often get the chance to do so, and even to feed them. Breastfeeding can be particularly helpful for moms to bond with their baby and support the baby’s health.
Keep a Journal
Keeping a journal can help both moms and dads cope with the NICU experience. It’s not only therapeutic for parents but can also become a meaningful keepsake for your child in the future. Record milestones like when your baby first breathed on their own or could regulate their body temperature. These notes can be a source of encouragement and a way to remember your journey together.
By becoming familiar with the NICU, learning about the hospital, spending time with your baby, and keeping a journal, you can better manage this challenging time and support your baby’s well-being.
