15 Tips for new NICU Mamas...
So much information comes your way the first few hours and days into your NICU journey. You are wading through a thick fog searching for a beacon of light. While all of the information you will receive is important, sometimes there are things that are not written in the hospital manuals or found in your admission paperwork that need to shared the most.
We think the best advice can come from those that have come before us.
See below for 15 tips for new NICU Mamas compiled with love from your Project NICU Mamas.
Breathe: the NICU can be very overwhelming when you first walk into one.
Take advantage of the resources: make sure to ask about parking discounts, free meals for nursing moms and support within the hospital.
Call 24/7: if you aren’t able to stay with your baby, call anytime to ask for updates. No matter if it’s 6:00pm or 3:00am, someone is always there to talk and update you.
Ask lots of questions: It’s helpful to understand the difference between a B & D, what makes up the monitor numbers and when rounds are made.
Trust your gut: if something doesn’t feel right, say something! You are your baby’s biggest advocate.
Let go of the guilt: it is not your fault that your baby is in the NICU.
Feel the emotions: there’s mixed emotions in the NICU, mourning the loss of the full term pregnancy, feelings of being scared, excited for milestones, etc. Allow yourself to feel every one of them.
Take care of yourself: give yourself grace; the NICU is overwhelming and some days will be easier than others. If you need a break, allow yourself to take one without feeling guilty.
Find connection: whether that’s with another NICU parent or a primary nurse, it brings comfort when there’s someone you become familiar with.
Get involved in the care: change the diapers, check the temperature, give the baths. Do whatever you’re allowed to do at the moment to connect with your baby.
Document the experience: whether it’s through journaling or photos. It may seem tough right now, but one day you’re going to want to read through it and show your baby.
Be in the moment: it can be overwhelming to think about the possible long journey ahead and when your baby will be home. Be present in the moment of today and take one step at a time.
Don’t compare your journey: every baby is different so every NICU journey is different. Don’t allow another’s progress to be discouraging.
Accept help from family and friends: say yes to the people who want to bring dinner, help clean your house and take care of your pets. Your baby may not be home with you, but it’s still exhausting.
It’s okay to celebrate: while your motherhood journey may have started differently than planned, you’re still a mama and that is amazing!