From Birthing Room To Nicu

Not even the most inclusive birth plan allows for the eventuality that your child will be whisked away after birth and immediately transferred into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Even though parents who expect a child whose birth defects were diagnosed prior to birth will in the backs of their minds acknowledge the possibility, the sudden reality of having your little one literally taken out of your body and then taken away from you to a different wing of the hospital is a frightening and scary experience.

It is immaterial how well intentioned staff, physicians, and your nurses are; the fact that your child is taken away from you will weigh heavily on your heart and mind and even though you know – in your mind – that your child is receiving the best possible care for her or his needs, your heart dictates that you are in desperate need to get to know that new life you brought into the world.

To help you navigate around your feelings, fears, and frustrations while coming to grips with your child’s transition from birthing room to NICU, here are some things to consider:

* The NICU is the safest place in the hospital for your child. Surrounded by dedicated and specially trained staff, your child will receive the best medical care possible and any and all medical emergencies will be quickly and expertly handled.

* That said, the NICU can be a forbidding looking place for new parents and the hustle and bustle of doctors making rounds and nurses taking care of babies can put you in full fight or flight mode. Relax! Even though there is a plethora of rules to follow, hygiene being at the top of the list, parents have a secure spot within the workings of the NICU.

* While you may be afraid to impose on the nurses, you are invited and expected to stop by often and also hold your child. Yes, it will be awkward at first, especially if your child is hooked up to a number of monitors, but with the help of the nurses you will find a way that suits you. Find out what the baby’s feeding schedule is and make sure you are there to give the little one a bottle!

* Siblings are welcome in the NICU, but usually they need to be accompanied by a parent and also provide the head nurse with a copy of their vaccination record. Make sure your older child has this documentation handy.

* Older siblings, who might not be old enough to patiently wait in the hall of the hospital or if you decide you want to spend an afternoon with your baby in the NICU, will usually have the option to be looked after in a specialized sibling daycare room. More and more hospitals add these rooms to their setup to accommodate families.

* Observe the care your infant receives and learn how to do some of the steps yourself. When your baby is finally cleared to come home, you will need to know how to administer home health care yourself!

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