September is NICU Awareness Month. After spending 94 days in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), I wish someone had laid out some things to expect in the NICU. So I’ve put together a list of things to hopefully help some NICU parents or their guests. This is based on my experience so some hospitals may be a little different.
- Hand Washing – Before you can go into the NICU, you have to wash/scrub your hands for 3 minutes. They have glass timers that you flip once you begin and when all the sand has moved to the bottom your time is up. It is very important to wash your hands for all the babies in the NICU not just yours.
- Two Person Limit – Only two people are allowed by the bed side of your baby at a time. This not only helps with the space provided but it’s for safety reasons as well. Only parents and grandparents are allowed back by themselves. Any other family member or friend has to be accompanied by a parent.
- Pods – As you go through the NICU to your baby you will see there are different areas that hold about six babies which is called pods. The area I was in had six pods. Then there was another hallway where the babies are getting ready to go home which is called Special Care.
- Isolates – When your baby is born premature and cannot regulate their temperature they have to be in an isolate. An isolate is a big rectangular box with two holes in each side so you or a nurse can touch or work with the baby without the temperature getting too low. A blanket is normally on top of the isolate to make it dark; kind of mimicking a mother’s womb. Another term a lot of people like to use for isolates is incubators.
- Noises – The NICU can be a loud place. Not because of babies crying but because of all the machines going off. For example: constant beeping of heart monitors, running ventilators, oxygen machines, equipment being pushed around and yes even phones ringing.
- Check Up – If your baby was sent to the NICU when they were born, you should have been given a paper with information on it telling you the phone number and your password to check on your baby. It also gives you the information to give to grandparents so they too can check on the baby. You can call any time day or night and as many times as you want or need to.
- Primary Nurses – This one is a big one! Once you’ve had a feel for some of the nurses, pick a couple that you feel secure with and are great with your baby. Ask them to be your primary nurse. Basically a primary nurse means when they are on shift they are assigned to your baby. I would suggest trying to find three on days and three on nights. And don’t be afraid to talk to the head nurse if you have any issues. Another thing to note is don’t be upset if you walk in and your primary nurse is not assigned to your baby. We had that happen to us a few times. It is very discouraging and disappointing but sometimes your primary is the only one qualified to handle another baby.
- Support Groups – Being in the NICU is a trying time so it’s important to ask about any local support groups. I didn’t know to ask but was found by a couple and they made a difference in my stay. Talk to your NICU nurse. They should be happy to help you find a support group. Know you are not alone in this journey.
- Kangaroo Care – Kangaroo care is holding your diapered baby on your bare chest, also known as skin-to-skin. It creates bonding between parent and baby. A blanket should be placed over your baby to help keep them warm. Ask your NICU nurse what’s their policy on kangaroo care so you will know when you can start. Remember to wear loose shirts for this or the NICU nurse can provide a hospital gown. Kangaroo care has many benefits such as reducing stress, helping produce more breastmilk and the experience of new parenthood. It can help the baby gain weight, regulate his/her heart and breathing and have a better chance of being able to breastfeed. Kangaroo care is safe and beneficial to both you and your baby even if your baby is connected to machines.
- Don’t Compare – It’s quite easy to try and compare your baby to the other babies in the NICU but please DON’T! Each baby has their own issues and may not be the same as your baby. Comparing to others can lead to a lot of unneeded stress. Focus on your baby and what you can do to help or support your child. The NICU is a roller coaster ride and it’s not the fun kind either. Some days are uneventful but other days are not. A lot of ups and downs in the NICU so there’s no need in adding additional stress to your situation.
There you have it! My list of things to know about the NICU. I hope it helps you or someone you know have a little insight into the NICU. Remember it is NICU Awareness Month! If you know a NICU nurse or doctor, tell them you appreciate what they do for they are a great part of a NICU journey. Also, if you know someone that’s gone or going through the NICU journey, give them a pat on the back because chances are they have been or going through a lot.