what to do for parents with baby in nicu

7 Stock Up on Preemie Equipment. Be patient with yourself if you feel hesitant nervous or awkward.

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Nobody expects you to be comfortable or perfect right away.

. She wishes she had asked loved ones to come and sit with the baby so she could get some rest or take a break. Create a private space Sitting in the NICU youre usually facing outwards. There will be a sink and antibacterial soap in.

Take all the skin-to-skin contact you can get. Always Wash Your Hands. Do you find that your baby is slipping all over the place during kangaroo care or do you feel afraid that youre going to drop your preemie making it impossible for you to actually relax and enjoy your cuddle time.

Most hospitals will have a place for you to wash up before even entering the NICU. Many are uncomfortable in the NICU environment and concerned about their baby. Some nurses may not be familiar with using these items in the NICU but dont let that.

Reach out but dont expect a reply. When a friends baby is in the NICU. We know that the NICU is not a place you ever thought you would be.

The support is appreciated and means so much but. Useful items include a nursing apron or any cover-up for mom while pumping in the NICU an insulated lunch bag filled with snacks a file box with folders for the mountain of medical paperwork a notebook and folder to track conversations and forms and a chest freezer for breastmilk. Hospital parking pass.

Since the early 1960s dramatic improvement in the care of preterm and term infants has taken place in neonatal intensive care units across our country. The new mom will likely be spending long days in the NICU and like anyone recovering from birth she will be hungry. So whether youre a nurse a caregiver or a friend remember these helpful acts can provide support for parents of a baby in the NICU.

Ear plugs for naps in the NICU. Dear NICU Parent To begin we would like to say congratulations on the birth of your precious baby. Fear is a normal reaction to the unknown.

Incubators to help babies stay warm oxygen delivery to help with respiratory distress supplemental forms of. All parents will need to buy some new equipment to better care for their child but preemies require extra special gear. We suggest parents need to hear and internalize 3 important messages that overlap but are each important.

Call the baby by name. A cozy nursingpumping-friendly top or pair of pjs We love Latched Mama. Or a gift card they can use toward a massage online therapy or postpartum doula support.

When you cant hold her stay close. Give the parents a night off. My favorite is this hand sanitizer that I used each and every time after washing my hands for added protection.

Even when there is nothing concrete or specific that you can do your presence attention and compassion bring strength and comfort. Hospital food gets old fast. The times you are at the hospital may be the only times extended family can visit your preemie but it is also the only time you can visit your baby.

Even if you cant hold your baby for long you may be allowed to place your hand. Use a baby wrap a Moby wrap or Zaky Zak or a skin to skin shirt. If your baby has physical therapy activities be sure to ask that you get trained on how to perform them with your baby.

If you must send a gift shop for the parents. A nice lip balm or hand lotion. Money for a car rental.

Check with the hospital staff about which family members can see your baby. Child care so both parents can visit the NICU together. Things to Say When Offering Help to NICU Parents.

How can I bond with my baby while she is in the NICU. Sometimes Silence Is the Best Option. Everyone who comes into the NICU must wash their hands before they enter.

10 Things You Can Do to Help. Coping with the neonatal intensive care unit NICU. Let the new mom know youre thinking of her and her family.

Notice all the beautiful things about the baby and comment on them. Help parent of preemies build a community by removing obstacles preventing families from finding comfort in the experiences of others. Some units require guests to wear hospital gowns.

You are a parent you are not a bad parent and you are a good parent. They may also fear the possibility of serious illness disability or even death. God never gives you more than you can handle.

Avoid places that have large crowds such as churches or grocery stores. Knowledge has advanced along with the technical equipment to care for these babies. Make the space around your baby more personal You can bring things from home use peoples gifts or put up photos of.

And food is a great way to support a family with a NICU babyyou just need to know the best way to do it. Bring food food and more food. This concept is also essential for parents of infants in the NICU although their path is complexWe write as clinicians who were also families in the NICU.

Give a gift card for companies like Uber Eats Grubhub DoorDash or Seamless so the family can order takeout right to the hospital. Even when you must visit your babys doctors office ask to be seen in a private examination room while you wait. Children visiting the NICU must be well not sick and should have all their immunizations.

We know there are so many emotions that you are having right now including fear anger anxiety sadness and as confusing as it may be maybe even happiness. Spending so much time in the hospital can be lonely and exhausting says Amber Matyi whose son Luca was delivered four weeks early and spent 24 days in the NICU. A food delivery service gift card.

You may need to wear gloves and a mask. Whenever you or your partner can hold your baby against your bare chest. That means everyone who goes by can.

Most parents have little previous experience with sick newborns. Whether or not this is your first baby having a baby in the NICU can be scary. Work to build genuine connections with parents.

Some ideas to include in a care package. Extra phone chargers to keep at the hospital or in a travel bag. What to Say to NICU Parents About Their Sick Child.

They may even begin to question their own abilities to take care of this. Understand you and your spouse need alone time with your child. Hospital cafeterias can get old and expensive pretty fast so organize a meal train with others in her community.

A compact bag to carry pumping supplies or a cute travel bag for clothes would be a nice thought. Do call and visit. No matter the diagnosis or the prognosis congratulate the parents.

Learning how to parent your baby while in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit NICU Remind yourself that all parents feel anxious or insecure. Everything happens for a reason. Before entering the NICU learn the etiquette from your nurses and doctors.

Prepaid room at a nearby hotel. If your NICU has anyone able to teach you gentle infant massage it can be a super relaxing bonding activity that youll both love.

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