Walking into the NICU can feel overwhelming. Machines, monitors, and so many unknowns. In this episode, we are talking with a NICU nurse about what a typical stay looks like, what you will see and hear, and how you can stay connected to your baby in the middle of it all. If you are in the midst of a NICU journey, or you are preparing for the possibility, this conversation is here to help you feel more encouraged, informed, and supported.
Guest Speaker
On this episode we talked with Landry, who also happens to be the older sister of co-host Lauren. Landry has worked for the past 6 years as a NICU nurse and has worked at two different level 4 NICUs.
The NICU Environment
What Will You See?
NICU babies are seen on a very regular schedule. Care times (or touch times) happen every 3 to 4 hours. Your nurse will come in, change their diaper, feed them, do an assessment, and take a temperature. There might be multiple alarms, wires, and equipment depending on what your baby needs.
Who Will You See?
The NICU can feel like a revolving door of people and doctors. You will see the nurses the most. Most NICU babies also see an occupational therapist, physical therapist, and maybe a speech language pathologist. A team of doctors usually round together and move room to room explaining the plan and progress for your baby.
Can I Sleep With My Baby?
Some hospitals might allow you to sleep at bedside but both of the NICUs Landry has worked at do not allow for this. Many NICUs have sleep rooms that parents can sign up for. These rooms are on the same hospital floor as the NICU, which is especially good for very critical babies. Ronald McDonald Houses are a nonprofit that works to provide housing to parents with children in the hospital.
Common Challenges
- Managing the stress, anxiety, and overwhelm
- Balancing your own physical and emotional recovery from birth
- Managing pumping and your breastmilk supply since most NICU babies cannot breastfeed
- Feeling like you can interact with and bond with baby without hurting them
- Setbacks happening when you thought they were going to go home
What Can You Do?
- Be involved in your baby's care times and touch times. This is a good time for parents to hold or interact with baby.
- Ask your nurses questions, as many times as needed. No question is a bad question.
- Write down any question when you think of it. It is easy to forget in the moment.
- Ask your nurse for a head to toe explanation of all of the wires and equipment connected to your baby.
- Try to be at bedside for the doctors rounds. This is when the team discusses your baby's plan and progress.
- Form or join a NICU Facebook group for your baby's hospital. Connecting with other NICU families can help you feel less alone.
- Ask about skin to skin (kangaroo care). This is an option in the NICU for some babies. Kangaroo care has been shown to support bonding, regulation, and development.
Resources
- Ronald McDonald House Charities: Find a Chapter Near You
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital: Kangaroo Care in the NICU
- Cleveland Clinic: Kangaroo Care
- Nationwide Children's Hospital: Medical Equipment in the NICU
- March of Dimes: Resources for NICU Parents
- Hand to Hold: Nonprofit Support for NICU Parents
This article is a companion to Episode 18 of the Functional Fourth Trimester podcast.