Planning for a baby in the NICU
While most pregnant women don’t plan on their baby being in the NICU, some have to. Having a NICU baby is hard for any family, it is a unique experience to go through your pregnancy knowing your baby will have a NICU stay.
Majority of babies in the NICU are there because of premature birth, but other common reasons may include low birth weight, infections, respiratory issues, and jaundice. With the development of the 20-week anomaly scan, some families know ahead of time to prepare for a NICU stay. While, of course, it is different in many ways to prepare for a child with a health condition or a congenital anomaly, than a “normal” NICU stay, much of the logistics may be the same.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU’RE PREPARING FOR THE NICU:
What is your hospital NICU like?
Is the NICU a traditional NICU, where babies often have their own floor / own space? In some instances it’s a nursery-type room. Or is it a family-centered NICU? These are often where the baby has their own private room after mom is discharged (rooms with mom before she is discharged), and the family can stay there with the baby. This style of NICU is becoming more and more common.
Some hospitals have lounges where the family can relax. These lounges may have a TV, refrigerator, comfortable seating, and maybe even play areas for siblings. This can be a great way to meet other families and gain support through others.
Are you in for a long-haul or short-term stay?
Not all babies who have an expected NICU stay will be there for long, while others may be in the NICU for months. It is helpful to know what kind of stay you may be looking at, so you can adjust your mentality accordingly. I like thinking of it as a marathon vs. a sprint mentality, but maybe that’s just my running background helping me. Do you need to pace yourself and your energy, or are you willing to use all of your energy right now, because it may soon be over?
It’s good to find out from your doctor what kind of stay you may be looking at. While doctors can’t give perfect pictures or promises, they may be able to help paint a picture of your baby’s life after delivery.
If mom and baby get separated after birth, who stays with mom and who stays with baby?
While this is good to evaluate in any birth, because unexpected things happen, it’s probably more applicable in these more complex situations. Addressing this situation before it can even arise, takes some pressure off of dad in the event it does come up. It may be good to have additional support people around if you think this may be a possibility.
If you plan to breastfeed, what will that look like?
Different conditions obviously affect what breastfeeding in the NICU may look like. Some babies can breastfeed or bottle-feed while in the NICU, some babies are fed through IV, or through a tube. This may affect your plans, and you may have to switch to pumping instead of breastfeeding. Talk to your doctors, so that you may know your options for when your baby is born.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Postpartum Support International
Hand to Hold
Miracle Babies
MMHI - Mom’s Mental Health Initiave