NICU Survival - From a Preemie Parent
Now that you have had your preemie - get ready to get comfortable (or at least as comfortable as you can) in the NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit). Remember, your baby is fully taken care of. They have everything they could possibly need. You, on the other hand, are totally unprepared and have been thrown into the deep end. Even if you knew your baby was going to have to spend time in the NICU after being born, there is no doubt that you are out of your element. Here are 5 things that will help you survive your time in the NICU.
ITEM 1: A COMFY UNIFORM
Make sure you have clothing you don't mind sitting around in for hours at a time. Think yoga pants, loose shirts or oversized button down shirts, a sweater (those hospital rooms are usually kept a little cold), and slipper like shoes. Being comfortable is one of the few things you can control in the NICU - so make sure you are. And remember, there is not a person in there that will care if you have worn the same basic outfit every single day you are there.
The button down shirt is especially helpful for kangaroo care (skin to skin time with your baby). Also, if you happen to be pumping, the button down shirt gives you easy access.
ITEM 2: A BREASTFEEDING PILLOW
Even if you are not going to breastfeed, having this type of pillow in the NICU makes those moments when you are holding your precious preemie that much more comfortable. Some NICU’s will have a place near your baby’s isolette to keep your pillow. (If you have grandparents visiting who want to hold your baby, this pillow is also a great way to give them a little extra support.)
ITEM 3: SOMETHING TO DO
Yes, you are there to be with your baby and participate in their medical care. And you will do that, but, a lot of the time you will be sitting next to the isolette or crib watching your baby sleep. For some, this is a good time to read a book or listen to a podcast. It is great to be there and to have an escape at the same time.
ITEM 4: A SMALL INSULATED COOLER
This item has a dual purpose. When you arrive at the start of the day, the cooler allows you to bring some food and drinks with you. Hospital food gets tiresome quickly, and, depending on where your hospital is located, finding other food to eat can be difficult or expensive. At the end of the day, the cooler can be used to transport any milk you may have pumped (if you are pumping) back home to be stored in your freezer.
ITEM 5: SOMEONE WHO GETS IT
Ok - this is not really something you can bring with you, but hopefully something you can find in the NICU. The NICU is filled with other scared and isolated parents. If you find one you click with, lean on them. They understand what you are going through. You can also request to be connected with one of our mentors.