How to Cope While a Preemie is in NICU
According to the March of Dimes, 12.7 percent of babies born each year are preemies, a baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed. All but a few of these preemies will spend some time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU. That time may range from a few days to a few months, depending on the baby’s gestational age and complications related to his premature birth. This is a difficult and stressful period for parents, who may not realize the extent of support available from the hospital and local or online preemie organizations.
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Instructions
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Write down questions for the nurses and neonatologists, so you don’t forget what you wanted to ask. When you’re with your baby, it can be hard to think about anything else. You’ll be more confident you have the information you wanted if you make a list. Don’t be afraid to ask a question more than once—everyone understands you’re stressed.
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Take notes on conversations with your preemie’s caregivers. It can help you remember details later if you want to share the information with the family.
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Ask for ways you can participate in your baby’s care. Depending upon your preemie’s condition, you may be able to change diapers or help with baths and feedings. Even small things can help you feel more connected with your child.
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Get a good reference book on preemie care (prematurity.org has an extensive list). Do not read it. Most of it will not apply to your child and could worry you needlessly. Instead, use it as a reference to look up unfamiliar terms or to help you decide on questions to ask your baby’s caregivers.
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Take advantage of the hospital’s resources for preemie parents. These could range from a comfortable room where parents can wait between visits to support groups, classes on preemie care and more. Chaplains and counselors may be available to talk with you during your baby’s stay in NICU. Closer to discharge, many hospitals have social workers to help you connect with community resources that may help you and your preemie transition to home.
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Tips & Warnings
When friends say “How can I help?” give them specifics—taking your older children for an outing, bringing over a meal, whatever it is you need. Unless they’ve had a similar experience themselves your friends won’t quite grasp what you’re going through, but they mean well so let them help.
