Things I say as a NICU nurse 🩷👶🏻🍼

You know how I mentioned saying 'Wow that's a big poop!' as a NICU nurse? Well, there's a good reason why those moments stick with us, and why tiny bowel movements can be such a big deal in the NICU! It might sound a bit funny to outsiders, but for us, a baby's poop is like a vital sign, offering crucial clues about their health and how they're tolerating feeds. When we're caring for our little ones, especially those 22-weekers or delicate newborns, every detail matters. We're constantly observing their feeding patterns, weight gain, and yes, their diaper output. The color, consistency, and frequency of their stools can tell us so much. For instance, the first few poops, called meconium, are typically thick, dark green, and tar-like. Seeing a baby pass meconium is a huge milestone, showing their digestive system is starting to work. As they start feeding, whether it's breast milk or formula, the poop changes. Breastfed babies often have seedy, mustard-yellow stools, while formula-fed babies might have slightly firmer, tan-colored poops. Any deviation – like bloody stools, very watery diarrhea, or an absence of stool – can be a red flag that we need to investigate immediately. It could indicate an infection, feeding intolerance, or a more serious digestive issue. That's why when we see a 'massive poop' or a 'giant poop' from a tiny baby, it's not just about the volume; it's a sign of their developing strength and that their gut is working well – a cause for a small internal celebration, even if it means a bigger diaper change! One of the practical challenges in the NICU is managing these tiny diapers and sensitive skin. Imagine a 500-gram baby with a surprisingly large bowel movement! It takes gentle hands and careful technique to keep their delicate skin healthy. We also have to track every diaper, noting the amount and characteristics. It's meticulous work, but it's all part of ensuring these vulnerable infants thrive. Beyond the practicalities, there’s a real satisfaction in seeing our babies progress, from being unable to tolerate even tiny feeds to having healthy, consistent bowel movements. It’s those small victories, like a perfectly normal (even if 'big') poop, that remind us of the incredible resilience of these infants and why we love being NICU nurses. It might seem like a strange thing to focus on, but in our world, it’s just another one of the many 'things I say as a NICU nurse' that reflects the deep care and attention we give to every single detail of our tiny patients' well-being. Sometimes, you just have to say, 'You little stinker!' with a smile, knowing it means they're one step closer to going home.