Five Coping Tips for Parents on their NICU Journey
Babies can be admitted to the NICU for a number of reasons – some are premature, whilst others have medical problems and need surgery or medication. Whatever the reason, news that their new baby is heading to the NICU after delivery is really tough for parents.
Whether your baby is admitted for a few days or is in for the for long haul, it’s hard for new mums and dads to be sent home whilst their baby stays in the hospital. We have put together a few coping tips for those of you with babies in the NICU to help you cope during your baby’s stay.
Interact with your baby
Many parents worry they will “break” their baby at some point or another, but we know this anxiety is heightened when your baby is in the NICU.
Don’t be scared to spend quality time with your baby. Hold their hand, talk to them, sing to them and hold them whenever possible. Seek help from the nurses and let them teach you how to care for your baby as much as possible.
Be assured that the nurses wouldn’t let you handle your baby if it isn’t safe to. Many NICUs encourage kangaroo care, a method of holding your baby with skin-to-skin contact which can have many benefits for babies.
Ask Questions
With wires, monitors, and medical talk, the NICU is an overwhelming place for many parents and there are bound to be things that you are concerned about or don’t understand.
Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions – yes, even the silly ones! Staff on the NICU are used to being asked all sorts of things, so ask anything that comes to mind.
Get to know the NICU Staff
Whether your baby is in for days, weeks or months, the NICU staff are going to be spending lots of time with your little one. Get the know the NICU nurses and doctors, they can be a great support for many parents in the NICU and are also going to be the ones who answer your questions. For many parents, staff become friends and will be there to help you through grief and share celebration.
Take care of yourself
It’s hard for parents to think about themselves when their baby is sick. Many parents forget because they are so worried about their child, whilst others feel guilty for taking the time to care for themselves.
For you to be there for your baby, you need to take care of yourself. In order to alleviate the feelings that come with having a baby in the NICU, you need to make you sure you are eating and sleeping properly, taking breaks from the ward and spending time with family and friends.
Don’t forget to accept help from others, too. Use those around you to help with your typical daily tasks and clear your schedule to spend quality time with your baby or practice some self-care.
Connect with other NICU parents
It can help to know that you’re not alone. There are many other parents who are facing the same struggles and triumphs that come with having a baby in the NICU.
Join a local support group or reach out and make connections with parents you see on the ward – you may find it helpful to share stories and advice with those who are going through the same thing that you are. These friendships provide you with a source of comfort and support and often last beyond the NICU.
It’s very distressing for parents who are separated from their babies and it’s important to know how to cope so that you can be there for your baby and look after yourself through what is a time of anguish and anxiety.
Colourful Beginnings is here to provide you with information and support at any point during or after your NICU journey. If you have any questions or want someone to talk to, you can contact us here.