Neonatal Intensive Care Units
No one expects to have a baby end up in the Neonatal or Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It is a scary and overwhelming experience. It can also be isolating at times, as you are taking care of your new baby away from family and friends. Medical technology has advanced to such a degree that today, babies who are born at just 6 months of gestation can survive and live healthy lives. However, those first few weeks or months in the NICU can be very critical and frightening.
When a baby first comes into the NICU, there are a lot of new experiences that a family must face. A premature baby can look very sick. Often, preemies are very tiny, their skin can be thin and reddish, and they just do not resemble the cute newborn image that we all have in our head. Many preemies need medical assistance to breathe and help with other organ functions. They will likely get nutrition from tubes or intravenous feedings and only later transition to bottle or breast feedings; for many preemies breast milk can be pumped, stored and used when the baby is ready. There may be a lot of other tubes, wires and medical equipment surrounding your baby in the NICU. There may also be monitors attached to your baby to monitor heart rate, oxygen levels and breathing. Do not be afraid to ask the NICU staff about your baby and all his or her equipment and what it is. Ask how to read the monitors and what it all means.
There are some specific medical issues that premature babies are at higher risk for and your doctors will discuss these with you if your child is at risk due to his or her gestational age or medical condition. Many parents of premature babies are told frightening facts at first, but today there are numerous treatments and interventions to help children grow and develop.
Some babies have a quick stay in the NICU; for others it can be longer, up to several months depending on the gestational age and medical needs. This can be a challenge in terms of family needs, especially when there are other children in the family. Try to have other family members or caretakers help with childcare if possible. This can often place a financial stress on families as well, so talk to the social worker in the NICU if your family needs assistance.
One of the biggest challenges of having a baby in the NICU is that you simply cannot be with your baby all the time. Once you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to go home to rest and eat and your baby will stay at the hospital. This can be very difficult for some parents but it is very important that you get enough sleep and eat and take care of yourself so that you remain healthy and able to care for your baby. The NICU staff are providing the best care possible for your baby and while it is not easy leaving your baby each night, you can rest assured that he or she is being well cared for by trained medical staff. You might think of questions for the doctors or nurses while you are at home so keep a notebook with you to write these down when you are home. Or when you are at the hospital and the doctor may be with another family, use the notebook to write down concerns and questions so you do not forget. It is also helpful to make notes of things you want to remember that the nurses or doctors might tell you about your child.
You may not be able to hold your baby at first but ask your NICU nurse about when your baby is ready for kangaroo care. This type of skin-to-skin contact between parent and baby is important for bonding and comfort.
You might also want to make a sign with your baby’s name on it if your NICU staff does not do that, and ask about bringing in a photo of your family to put in the isolette, or a special new stuffed animal. Another thing that is very helpful is an Ookie bonding doll, which absorbs the scent of a parent and calms the baby.
Family and friends often want to help support you but do not know what is helpful. Here are some suggestions of ways that they can help:
- Running errands -including getting preemie clothes and other hard to find preemie items, such as diapers
- Preparing food or getting groceries so you can eat a healthy meal when you come home from hospital visits
- Helping with childcare for siblings
- Helping prepare the baby’s room that may not be ready yet
Having a baby in the NICU can be very stressful. Remember that other people may say things that are not helpful even though they do not realize how hurtful their comments can be. People often forget to say “congratulations” and are scared to say about what to say when a child is in the NICU. No one truly understands what it is like to have a baby in the NICU unless they have had the experience. But, the experience is different for everyone so ask the NICU staff and your support system to help. People often describe being in the NICU as similar to being on an emotional roller coaster –ups and downs of good days and bad days. Take each day one at a time. And remember that your baby will be home soon.
