My Experience as a NICU Mom
My little man came at 37 weeks on the dot and needed a little extra help with his blood sugar and eating.
This landed us in the NICU for 5 days which we obviously didn't go in expecting.
Here are a few things I learned in that first week of our little guys life.
🍼 Skin to Skin is MAGIC
If you are able to stay in the NICU with your baby, do skin to skin as much as you can! I didn’t think I was allowed to at first with everything he was hooked up to but I quickly learned that it was still super encouraged and is so beneficial for your healing baby.
🍼 You Lose All Sense of Time
The NICU is a time warp. There are minimal windows, the hall lights are always on, the nurses come in every few hours, and you don't get much sleep. We had a super hard time keeping track of the days so writing everything down in a note (like time he ate, amount he ate, test results, etc.) was super helpful
🍼NICU ANKLES!!!!
After my first day in the NICU, my pp nurse asked how my swelling was and I looked down to see a huge increase in my ankle swelling. She said “oh yes, I call those NICU ankles because there's no where to put your feet up over there.” So beware and try to get those feet up whenever you can!
🍼 Every Nuse Does Things Differently
One thing we were a little frustrated with in the beginning was the lack of consistency when we would have a shift change of nurses. Just know everyone does things differently and its important to communicate with your nurses and advocate for yourself and your baby if needed.
🍼 Things Might Get Worse Before They Get Better
We got moved to the NICU for low blood sugar but before we knew it he was on an IV, oxygen, heater, and a feeding tube. It was so discouraging feeling like he only declined since getting moved to the NICU.
🍼 Coming Home Is Even Sweeter
I won’t sugar coat it, the NICU sucks. It’s scary, feels like it will never end. You are over monitoring your baby –watching every heart beat and every breath, praying for good test results, and your hope getting squashed when you’re told you have to stay another day. BUT. When we got to walk out those doors with our baby boy, the joy that filled us up was indescribable.
Coming home to sit with your baby, no monitors beeping, no tubes and cords connected to them — it is peace.
If you’re a NICU mom, you are so strong and you got this!
Having a baby in the NICU can be overwhelming, but understanding the environment can help parents cope. Skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) is vital for bonding and promoting infant stability. It helps regulate the baby’s heart rate and temperature while enhancing emotional connections. Additionally, keeping a journal of daily activities can assist in tracking feeding times, medication schedules, and health updates, which can be challenging amidst the chaotic NICU environment. Parents often report feeling isolated; thus, building a support network with other NICU parents can provide companionship and strengthen resilience. NICU staff can vary in their approaches, so open communication with nurses is crucial. This ensures consistent care and helps parents feel empowered in advocating for their baby's needs. Lastly, as difficult as it may seem, many parents find their exit from the NICU incredibly rewarding. The first time holding their baby without monitors is a moment filled with relief and joy. Remember, it's okay to seek help as you navigate through this intense experience.
My birth had a ton of complications because of our doctor and some of those complications passed onto my daughter plus she was born early so she was in the NICU. Every day they kept telling us how bad her blood work was getting etc. you really do loose sense of time. Lucky she was only there for 8 days and is home now. She just turned 1 month yesterday. Best of luck to you!