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7 Ways to Stay Involved in Your Baby's Care in the NICU

7/17/2014

 
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Parental involvement in baby's care in the NICU is important for both the health of baby and his or her parents. Although the experience may be overwhelming, you play an integral role as an advocate and voice for your child. Below are 7 ways that you can stay involved in your baby's care. 

1. Ask questions and take notes - No question is too small. This is your child and staying informed is important. If no one is around to answer, write down questions you come up with to ask later. If you are even the slightest bit concerned about your child's condition, ask questions! The nurses and doctors are there to help you understand and make informed decisions in your child's care. To help you remember the answers to these questions and to record your observations, keep a journal. It can be a great tool to refer back to later on.

2. Know your nurses - Every nurse is different with a unique personality, routine, and opinion. If you have a primary nurse, make sure you dedicate time to connecting with him or her. Your primary nurse is charged with your baby's plan of care and will be a resource to you throughout your stay. If you don't have a primary nurse, inquire to see if one is available.

3. Make Sure Your Expectations are Understood - Most parents have a preference on the parenting style and care that they chose for their child. Breastfeeding vs. Bottle, the use of pacifiers, religious considerations, etc… are all topics that should be discussed. Keep an open mind, not every request may be able to be accommodated based on your child’s condition. However, by informing the staff of your wishes, they can help you make the best decisions for your child.

4. Know the Routine  - A NICU has a specific routine in place. By knowing the routine you can be better prepared as to what to expect during your stay. Find out how long the shifts are, and what time shift change takes place. Ask what time rounds are made, and if you are allowed to be there during these times.

5. Know the Rules  - Each NICU is different; all rules will vary depending on the hospital’s policy and the severity of your child’s condition. Most NICU’s will hand out guidelines, but if not, make sure you check on a few things the first day. For example: What are visiting hours? How many people are allowed at your child’s side at a time? Are physical interactions such as bathing, diapering, feeding, and holding your child, limited? Can you bring items in from home such as a book to read to your child, or stuffed animals and pictures to leave in the isolette? What phone number can you use to check on your child?

6. Be present as much as possible  - interact with your baby as much as permitted by your NICU. Your baby knows you as his or her parent and so will feel comfort from your presence. Advocate for Kangaroo care and other bonding practices when your physician feels your baby is stable enough. Inquire to see if you can participate in bathing your baby, taking his or her temperature, changing diapers and other care procedures. Remember that although being present for your baby is critical, you should also make sure to take care of yourself. You'll be better prepared for your baby's care if you are at your best.

7. Celebrate the milestones - There are many different ways to celebrate the milestones of your baby. From journaling and scrapbooking, to stickers and journey beads; you will want to capture the moments that bring your baby one step closer to home.  Don’t forget to take pictures. Many parents are reluctant to take pictures of their critically ill newborns, but this is an important time in their life that you will want to document to see just how far they’ve come. Keep in mind that all babies are different and your child’s milestones may not follow the typical timeline. Discuss your concerns with your child’s doctor and try to be patient; your little one is working hard to overcome the additional obstacles he/she faces to get there! 


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Veronica Dunn
9/3/2014 12:16:05 pm

Our daughter was born prematurely in 1982. Until that day, I had never heard of a neonatal unit, but how thankful I am that our local hospital had opened such a unit not too long before. Our daughter was born at 27 weeks gestation, weighing one pound, fifteen ounces. Needless to say, one thing after another threatened the possibility of her surviving this premature birth. Probably the greatest of these was when her bowel perforated during that first week. We made daily trips during her lengthy stay to spend time with our tiny baby, not knowing what challenge each new day might bring. Finally, after spending 86 days in the neonatal unit, we brought our bundle of joy home (October 18, 1982)! She now helps with the care of a set of twins who were born in that same neonatal unit seventeen years later; however, they suffer several difficulties from their extreme prematurity and continue to need special care. Our daughter is also a first grade teacher. We are so grateful for each of the nurses and doctors who cared for our daughter so lovingly!!

Vanessa Blair link
7/22/2018 11:59:50 pm

My sister loves babies and wanted to have a job around children. It was explained here that parents wanted to learn about the people who are taking care of their baby. Furthermore, it's advisable to hire neonatal professionals.

James James link
1/9/2019 03:21:37 am

Excellent. Absolutely loved reading and very helpful at the same time.

Jennifer link
3/28/2019 05:28:32 am

Every nurse and every hospital is different and have different facilities for nursing and baby care. It is sad to see that parents show less involvement in the hospital nursery and leave everything to staff.

Stella Mary link
10/6/2020 06:18:03 am

Babies in NICU is a painful condition but caring for the babies is the utmost important event for the parents. Thank you for the helpful instructions in this regard.

Marsh link
5/10/2021 09:50:59 pm

Thanks for sharing such a detailed Blog about 7 Ways to Stay Involved in Your Baby's Care in the NICU Non-Sandwich Lunchbox Fillers keep up the good work.

Braden Bills link
5/12/2021 07:13:07 am

My wife and I are going to be very busy, so we're going to have to take our daughter to child care. It makes sense that we would want to get to know all of the people caring for her. That way, we can easily talk with them to keep up with how our daughter is doing.

Braden Bills link
8/25/2021 06:05:42 am

I want to make sure that my son is properly cared of. It makes sense that I might want to find a good child care facility. I'll be sure to get a professional to help me out with this.

Somya link
10/10/2021 11:17:16 pm

Experience in NICU can be overwhelming for parents. Although the nurses and the staff are professionals, but its important for parents to be involved in the process.

Kristofer Van Wagner link
11/15/2021 09:30:40 pm

I am thankful that this post encouraged us to stay involved as much as we can when our child is in NICU. It makes sense as that way, our kids will feel our presence. I will definitely keep this information in mind for future references.

Rick Jones link
1/12/2022 03:48:48 pm

Thanks for explaining that no question is too small or annoying. I am worried about having a baby. But I am so glad I can ask anything and the nurses won't mind.

Jeff Carbine link
1/18/2022 02:20:12 am

It's awesome that this article talked about as an advocate and voice for your child, you play a critical role. I'm glad that you explain it thoroughly and now it makes more sense. You did a great job of explaining the child care.

Jeff Carbine link
2/1/2022 06:33:41 pm

I found it interesting when you said that no challenge is too little. This is your child and staying informed is essential. My sister has a 3-year-old baby. She mentioned to me about sending the baby to toddler learning school. This will be a great tip for her in looking for the best child care service for her baby.

Lonistra link
2/6/2022 04:43:51 am

4. Know the Routine - A NICU has a specific routine in place. By knowing the routine you can be better prepared as to what to expect during your stay. Find out how long the shifts are, and what time shift change takes place. Ask what time rounds are made, and if you are allowed to be there during these times.


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