NICU mom Archives - The Motherly Heap

NICU Must-Haves for Moms: 20 Items To Bring

Jordan N. — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 16:21:19 +0000

You are about to leave the house, and you head to the hospital where your precious preemie is. Make sure you have your packed bag with all the must-haves for NICU moms. Spending most of your hours inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit aside from being worried, you can also feel different, maybe aching, and sometimes lonely. Your preemie baby may be your primary focus during visits; you might forget to bring the essentials for you to survive those NICU hours. I’ve been where you are right now. We may not have the same journey, but I was also the mom who sat on that recliner chair and spent as much time as I possibly could with my preemie daughter (12 weeks early). Sometimes, it was only me visiting. My husband works full-time, and my son goes to school. So it became my routine to go to the NICU right after dropping off my son in school. There are times we all visited at night or when my husband was also off. But during my NICU time, I am thankful I have these things in my NICU mom bag that I consider my NICU mini lifelines. So through listing them here, I’m hoping it helps someone be as comfortable as you go through NICU life. **This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from the product links, I may earn a commission from your purchase. There’s no extra cost to you if you decide to click and buy. Thank you for your continued support of this blog. Full Disclosure** 20 NICU Must-Haves for Moms 1. Lip balm You may experience dry, cracked lips because of the hospital air. Carry a lip balm in your bag, and remember to use it every couple of hours or after drinking/eating. 2. Notebook/Journal I carried my little blue notebook in my NICU bag, along with a pen. It helped me write down all my daughter’s health updates and medicines. It also became a pumped milk ounces tracker and breastfeeding session time tracker. Your preemie’s weights, vital signs, and any progress you want to document – you can write them down. You may also use your notebook to journal your feelings or thoughts at that time of the visit. Writing may help you lessen the stress and worry you are experiencing as a NICU mom. 3. Pumping bra There are plenty of pumping bras out there. Pick quality and practical design over any other specifications. I got some strapless bras, and here they are from the brand Kindred Bravely. You can check out these pumping bras if you’re looking for one yourself. 4. Breastfeeding top or pumping accessible top I couldn’t help but be thankful for tops designed for moms who pump or breastfeed their babies. Aside from the modesty of the top so you won’t get exposed, it gets highly rated for the practicality that makes pumping and breastfeeding much easier for any mom. 5. Insulated Tote Since pumping for preemies can come before you can directly breastfeed your baby, it’s great to invest in an insulated tote to carry around freshly pumped breast milk or frozen ones. Make sure it lasts longer to keep your breastmilk safe and not get wasted. 6. Water Bottle Let’s get real: a pumping or breastfeeding mom will need more fluids than ever before. To replenish your body’s water needs, you don’t want to get dehydrated and feel dizzy when you don’t drink fluids enough to keep up. So have your water bottle close by. 7. Hand Cream You will be washing your hands a lot when you stay in the NICU. So it’s helpful to have a hand cream handy to prevent cracked hands. 8. Hair Ties / Headbands When you’re holding your baby skin-to-skin, you want your hair out of the way and not touching your baby. Bring a pack of hair ties to keep your hair in place. Headbands are also helpful to get the hair out of your face. 9. Sterilizing bags You can use these sterilizing bags to keep your pumps clean and sanitize while you pump in the NICU. However, you want to make sure that these bags are microwave safe; it’s dangerous when it gets melted in the microwave along with your pump parts. If you don’t have any of these bags, it’s okay – NICU staff will provide you with approved cleaning liquid to wash your pump parts and bottles. Of course, bring your needed pumping parts and extra bottles for NICU use. You may be renting or using the hospital-grade pump at this time. 10. Robe If you can bring a comfy robe to your NICU visits, that would be perfect for when you need to pump, and you get cold. Drape one over you, and the problem is solved. You may also use it when it’s skin-to-skin time with your preemie baby. Easy access, and it covers you during the session. 11. Nursing pillow The pillow is to help you reposition when breastfeeding your preemie. They’re tiny, and you may need extra support to get them to latch and stay comfortable throughout the feeding session. It was helpful for me during our nursing sessions in the NICU and at home. Do not leave or prop your baby on the pillow unattended if you continue to use the pillow at home. 12. Something to read or to do It could be a book, kindle, or a tablet for easy reading. There are times when your baby will stay in the isolette more than being held. You want to have something for you to do while spending time with her. You can read to your baby or enjoy reading for yourself. There’s plenty to choose from which book collections or genre you can start with. Plus, if you just want to hang out and listen to music with your earbuds on, then do so. 13. Snacks Quick and grab snacks you can munch in between NICU breaks. After you go to the bathroom, get lunch or get fresh air. Make sure you carry your mini snacks to help you keep going in between main meals. Choose something that helps with energy. 14. Coins and dollar bills Get a small purse to carry your coins and small bills. You may need those changes when you pass by a vending machine or need something to drink besides water. 15. Extra swaddle blankets or scent loveys You know, when you go home, the nurse may offer to give you something that your baby has used and has their scent on. For example, smelling your baby’s scent on the blanket can help you connect with your baby when you’re pumping at home. 16. Your phone and charger (long cord) You won’t be using your phone during kangaroo or breastfeeding. However, during the in-betweens, you may need to look up something on the internet or call your spouse or someone if you need anything. So, while we are in this number, why not throw in a pair of earbuds for you to use. 17. Mini postpartum supplies You are still healing from giving birth. So, in a small pouch, carry some nipple pads, cream, sanitary pads, etc. Also, wear abdomen support (for CS mama). Have these items to help you while visiting your baby in the NICU. 18. Masks and sanitizers The hospital will have these items on hand. However, it’s still great to make sure you have your own, which you can use anytime and don’t have to ask the staff. Sanitizers are everywhere in the NICU. Every corner, every isolette, will have one. So, small pocket sanitizers aren’t a hassle to have for your personal use. With COVID-19 still pretty much around, there may be changes to the NICU visitation policy. Ensure to check with the hospital on limitations and what’s allowed. Follow protocols for preventing the spread of Covid-19. 19. Camera We snap pictures with our phones most of the time. Yet, having a small, reliable digital camera you can carry is a good bonus when you need more photos and videos to remember your NICU journey. It’s easy to transfer those precious captures, create collages in your NICU scrapbook, or compile videos for your NICU journey. 20. Mama Bag Your bag to carry it all. Hahaha. Make sure you choose the ones that fit your needs. If you’re looking for spacious and sturdy bags for all your NICU must-haves for moms, I can recommend a mom bag/diaper bag. NICU Resources for Parents: Getting it all packed These were the must-have items I had during our NICU journey; it gets replenished, washed, stocked, and cleaned every day. These items might not be what you’ll bring every visit. But, having them on hand as to when you need them and anticipating that need will make it easier for you and your NICU stay. Your baby may stay for a short while or may remain in the NICU for a few months; know that you’re doing your best. Let this list guide you in preparing to visit the NICU and for the long days to come. Each NICU mama story is different, so change or add to the list what you think you’ll need. Tell me what else you would add to the NICU moms’ must-haves. Share something that helped during your NICU stay with your baby. What would you bring to the NICU that’ll keep you comfortable while visiting?

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Breastfeeding a Preemie in the NICU

Jordan N. — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 01:06:02 +0000

Did you deliver your baby early? Were you planning to breastfeed your baby after birth? Breastfeeding in the NICU can sometimes take you by surprise when you have a preemie. If you’re a first-time mama, it can get overwhelming. Learning the ropes of breastfeeding pumping while worrying about your preemie and your health makes your early experiences as a new mom more demanding. There are multiple ways to gather breastfeeding information a little at a time. You’ve probably researched it already before giving birth. Take those lessons in as you navigate breastfeeding your preemie baby in the NICU. You may also be worried if your milk will be enough or have to use donor milk for the first few days. But, Mama, again, there’s no right or wrong way to address these questions, depending on your circumstance. My personal experience: I breastfed my 28-weeker preemie daughter in the NICU, and our journey wasn’t that easy but worth it. It was exhausting and hard. I was a working mom when I had her, so I also pumped while I worked during my breaks. Finally, we reached over two years on our breastfeeding journey that started in the NICU. Also, for my disclaimer – I am a breastfeeding advocate. I support all moms who choose to breastfeed, use donor’s milk and use formula milk. I don’t shame anyone for their choices. Whatever you decide to do with regards to feeding your baby – I am all for baby’s fed and happy and a happy mama too. Your breastfeeding journey isn’t the same with any NICU mama. But, knowing what to expect when breastfeeding a preemie in the NICU can help you feel secure and informed. Reasons a Preemie needs Human Milk. Best suitable nutrition for your baby Lowers the risk for Necrotizing enterocolitis NEC (infection in the gut), Sepsis (infection in the bloodstream), and other health problems. They are getting the extended passive immunity your baby needs in the first few weeks/months. Part of your baby’s treatment plan. A study suggests it helps develop preemie babies’ brains and help a sickly preemie. What can you expect when you plan to provide breastmilk to your Preemie Baby or start breastfeeding in the NICU? Preemie babies may have multiple health conditions when delivered or become sick preemies during their NICU stay. Early preemies may not have the coordination to suck, swallow and breathe yet. Your breast milk may come in between 3-4 days after giving birth. It’s natural to feel worried about this Colostrum in the first 24 hrs to 2 days is enough for your preemie baby needs. It may be a few drops of breastmilk at a time. Moms may use hand expressing at this time. You can help stimulate milk production with frequent pumping sessions. Per orders, the NICU staff may fortify the breastmilk you provide for your early preemie with multi-nutrient such as calcium, phosphate, and more; may need more protein, etc. It is crucial because the very low birth weight preemies consuming your breast milk may not get sufficient nutrients for better neurodevelopment and overall growth. Get proper nutrition for yourself. Your top priority as a breastfeeding mama is taking care of yourself. Your body will need what it can get to produce milk. Hydrating frequently keeps your body balanced to function correctly and supports a good milk supply. Establishing your milk supply even before your preemie can direct feeding is crucial. Slow start of milk supply: stress, worry, personal recovery from birth can affect your milk supply. Your body can sometimes limit prolactin production – which helps you make milk for your baby. Non-nutritive sucking for preemie practice and milk stimulation. This method is encouraged in the NICU setting to help preemies practice coordinating their breathing, sucking, and swallowing reflex; mom benefits in bonding and more milk supply. Weight Feeding: Before and After – Preemies are weighed before they have a breastfeeding session and weighed afterward. The difference will show how many ounces of human milk they have transferred from mom. You will see a lactation consultant during your NICU stay. In my experience, I’ve seen my lactation consultant throughout my hospital admission and even the entire NICU stay of my daughter. She provided me with information on how to get started with pumping and increasing my milk supply. During NICU visits, I also spoke with the lactation consultant about breastfeeding techniques, pumping troubleshooting, creating a proper latch, and addressing breastfeeding issues. A lactation staff can be a valuable resource for any NICU mom who plans or breastfeeding their babies. NICU nurses will help you out as well. They’ll be there to show you how they do tube feeding, explaining the TPN and when your baby will transition to oral feeding. They also showed me how to bottle-paced-feed my preemie daughter with my breast milk. Some NICU graduates may go home with a feeding tube; it’s best to get lessons from the assigned nurses of your baby. One-on-one teaching sessions can help boost your confidence in feeding your preemie at home. Ask questions and write them down if you need to, so you’ll be able to refer back once your baby is discharged. Most Common Questions When Breastfeeding a Preemie in the NICU How does the NICU feed preemies? As mentioned above, having a baby in the NICU, you will witness different preemie feeding methods: Feeding tubes with your breastmilk. A nasogastric tube (NG) will be placed on your preemie and adequately secured in place. The nurses will deliver your milk through this feeding tube at scheduled times. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through an intravenous line with specialized nutrition for preemies. There’ll be constant monitoring of the TPN, blood draws, and rates adjustments. Breastfeeding – where you come in. Paced bottle feeding – this method mimics how a baby does while breastfeeding. The baby controls the milk intake, takes breaks, and gives cues when the baby is full. Some helpful tips to be successful at paced bottle feeding a preemie. How to keep up with milk supply for your preemie? Hand expressing – you use your hands to massage your breast and help express the milk into a sterile container or syringe. You are pumping every 2-3 hours for the first two weeks, day and night. Time your pumping schedule with your preemie feeding schedule in the NICU. How long to pump depends for every mom. Some moms don’t feel full on their breasts between sessions. Don’t pump for more than 30 minutes. Average pump sessions from 15-20 minutes. Power pumping sessions: additional pumping sessions as needed Spend as much time with your preemie in the NICU Kangaroo care when possible – skin-to-skin time with your preemie. Some call it therapeutic touch, some healing hugs. RELATED POST: Kangaroo Care for NICU Babies Proper Latch and Positions A gentle approach and patience are what a NICU mom needs to breastfeed a preemie. Breastfeeding babies need to have a proper latch when feeding; however, it can be challenging for preemie babies to do that. Oral muscles development, tongue function, and coordination are needed to do proper latching. A speech therapist will often work with your baby and the lactation consultant to assist you. They will check for tongue-ties and other oral feeding issues involved. Keep working with the NICU staff as you learn how to breastfeed your baby. Position your preemie as much as you and she are comfortable and undistracted during breastfeeding in the NICU. Usually, you will have a recliner next to the NICU isolette, prop up pillows behind you, and one under the side where your baby is feeding. Preemie Feeding Issues in the NICU Preemies need to learn how to feed (suck, swallow and breathe) Feeding too fast may lead to oral feeding aversion, more spit-up incidence Practice paced-feeding to give preemie time to develop and adjust to the feeding. It also lessens their energy used while feeding. Sleepy preemie – preemie babies get tired quickly. It’s essential to consider the timing of primary care and feeding times. Nipple diversions – either breast or bottle, some preemies may not adjust properly to the switch. Moms can use temporary nipple shields until the preemies are reintroduced to mom’s nipples each feeding. Preemie feeding is challenging enough. Some NICU babies will have therapists work with them with oral exercises to help develop muscles and learn to feed. When do you start directly feeding your preemie baby? It will depend on how your preemie is doing medically, how your baby has adjusted to non-nutritive practice feeding, your baby’s gestational age, and readiness. Most preemie babies start to do direct breastfeeding around 34 weeks. However, early preemies under 34 weeks can also do limited breastfeeding sessions with moms. It depends on every preemie, health condition, and other feeding factors. What If I can’t provide Breast Milk? Donor human milk – these breast milk are donated by moms who are thoroughly screened and health checked. The donated milk undergoes pasteurization to eliminate possible pathogens. For the first 24 hours, we used donor’s milk donated by a mom in the NICU my daughter was admitted. I am forever grateful for her for being able to share her milk. I was sick from severe preeclampsia and couldn’t produce milk yet. My preemie daughter was able to receive that mom’s gift. Preemie formulated milk – specialized milk for premature babies. PAUSE: It’s okay if you want to stop for your benefit/health. No one can force you to pump or breastfeed your baby. Your decision is your own, and it can change at any time. Don’t feel pressured to produce if you aren’t able or feel you’re going insane with providing milk for your preemie. Your health and mindset are important too to care for your NICU baby. This post contains affiliate links to products. If you purchase from these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Please see the full disclosure. What pumps should I use to help my milk supply? The pump Having a reliable and quality pump makes all the difference in any pumping/breastfeeding mama.If it doesn’t fit what you need, it’ll only sabotage your efforts. Research and ask around any pumping moms you know or lactation consultants for pump options. Will my insurance cover the pump? Renting options? Most insurance will cover the pump or pay for part of the cost. You may also want to check the possibility of renting a hospital-grade pump and send an insurance claim to cover the cost. Hospital-grade pumps are available in the hospital where your NICU baby stays. Check out this Medela Pump I rented. The commercial personalized pumps are readily available in stores or online, with plenty of options to choose from portability, quality, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. I was able to use the hospital pump during my admission. I rented one from the hospital on the day I got discharged. You can extend rent periods or return the pump whenever you have your pump. Honestly, the Medela hospital grade pump was a lifesaver for my early pumping days. It delivers the perfect suction and encourages milk production when I wasn’t producing enough. I purchased the Spectra Two pump for home use and work; I got the Medela Pump in my pumping bag, and my insurance covered the cost. Also, I recommend getting a Haakaa silicone milk collector. Pumping Accessories: Properly sized flanges – for comfort and to prevent nipple issues.Bottles for PumpingPumping storage bagsPumping tubes and duckbillsNipple creams What if I take regular medications and pain medications while pumping/breastfeeding? Most importantly, speak with your healthcare provider and your baby’s doctor about taking medications while pumping/breastfeeding. Some medications can affect your baby. However, if you are in pain from childbirth, you most certainly don’t have to skip the prescribed medication regimen. If you had a C-section birth, you want to keep on top of the pain before it gets worse. Learning more about breastfeeding and medications can help you...

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Helping a Sibling of a NICU Baby Adjust

Jordan N. — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:53:03 +0000

Parents walk into a new world when a baby is in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). Having other children at home and another at the NICU can turn your lives upside down, and it certainly makes you wish to be split in two. As a NICU mama myself, I’m sharing some ideas to encourage you in helping your child adjust to having a baby sibling in the NICU. It may not be precisely the same circumstance as to what you’re going through. Although it may look similar, you’ve got a baby in the NICU and their siblings at home with you. During our NICU time, I’ve felt broken and lost – for thinking how I will do all these. Yet, I knew my son at home needed me more than ever, and my NICU baby daughter also needed me. You can navigate this difficult situation with all the possible solutions in your mind. However, be prepared that this may bring on emotions that you’ve never thought you’d uncover within you. You’ll be thrust into a world of uncertainty and void of predictability. At first, you may think, this isn’t happening to you, your family, and especially your newborn. So that, you’ve been careful, and you’ve attended every pregnancy visit without fail. Yet, it still happened. Your baby came early. You may feel angry for how this turned out to be. I hear you, and I feel for you. Suppose you feel like screaming and asking why – do it. Let it out and weep. If only you could give something else rather than be in this situation. Any mama would do anything. Sadness may sweep over you as you soak in the experience of being a NICU parent. Then realization follows that this is what it is – the journey you didn’t intend to be in. But the experience your children will know and remember for the rest of their lives – can be attributed to how well they were able to adjust during these difficult times with your help. Helping with your children’s adjustment with a baby sibling in the NICU. You start to plan how you divide your hours and days between the NICU and home—listing down what you need as you go back and forth in caring for your children. One thing first is for you to acknowledge your feelings towards the NICU life you’re in now, so you’ll be able to support your children at home during these times. Be honest with your emotions. Talk it out with your spouse, someone close to you, or even a healthcare professional. Those mixed feelings I was mentioning earlier need to be talked about and heard. Once you begin that, you can move forward into focusing your effort on helping your children transition as they care and bond for their NICU baby sibling. Look into how your children at home are talking about the baby sibling in the NICU. Are they curious, fearful, or distant – this will help guide you to be there for them as they take on their new role as older siblings. They may be puzzled as to the reasons the new baby isn’t coming home yet. There are countless corners of the NICU life you are going through as a parent right now, and it’s hard. So seeking those strategies to help you navigate NICU life as a parent is crucial for you. One of those ways is to support your other children in adjusting to this new routine, a massive change as part of their lives. It’s all new to them as much as to you. So let this NICU journey of your family be a chance to find meaning and establish a stronger connection between your children. RELATED POST: Tips for a Struggling NICU Mom: Surviving the NICU Life Tips on how to support a Sibling of a NICU baby 1. Acknowledge your children’s feelings Listen to their questions intently and ask what they want to know about their NICU baby. Also, responding to their questions in a way they can easily understand will be easier to do when you’re open and honest to them. Siblings of a NICU baby may feel worried, jealous, lonely, guilt, and other emotions you may not recognize. But, of course, it’s natural for them to miss you too. There will be questions from them that you can’t give wrong or correct answers to, especially if they’re asking when the baby is coming home. Please take a deep breath when you feel like drowning from it. Do what you feel is right for you to tell your children. NICU life is full of uncertain and unexpected turns. It’s living from a terrifying edge of a cliff – in a constant stressful atmosphere. Accepting your children’s take on this experience and their worries and fears. Help them through the process by letting them know you are there for them. Whenever they have the same questions, answer them patiently. But, of course, it’s also okay to say you don’t know anything. 2. Create Art for the NICU baby One thing that your children can do is to make something to show their love for their NICU baby sibling. They can draw or paint something for the baby. For example, they can decorate a name tag for the NICU isolette. You can encourage them to do what they want to create. They can also write letters to their NICU baby siblings – to write about themselves as brothers or sisters. They can include news about their school in their letter or what they’ve been up to at home. 3. Read books about NICU or being a Big Brother/Sister. As you go through these new experiences, let your children read anything about NICU and their new baby sibling. Plenty of books explain the situation, including artful images, to understand what’s going on. You can purchase some sibling books for them to read and explore. First, let them tell you the story of the book they’re reading. Then, ask them questions about their thoughts on the book. Doing this will help them explore their feelings towards this new chapter in their lives. 4. Alone time with your child No matter how it is right now, your children will crave more attention. Give them undivided time. Spend one on one time with your children and enjoy each other’s company either at home or out. Show them that your love hasn’t changed at all. Set aside special time/hours of the day to be with them. Go somewhere that’s fun, like your children’s favorite place or spot. You can also honor their preference to be alone, especially the older children (teens and older). Although they may process this time unusually, your support is crucial to them. Don’t rush any of your children to express what they want to say or do. Being present at each moment will give them more assurance and love while understanding the home life situation. It will be helpful if you also keep their home routine as unchanged as possible. To take on that requires tremendous support from your spouse or trusted someone. For example, you may read them a bedtime story before they sleep or have a quick lunch at school together. 5. Visit together as a family in the NICU. Preparing your children to visit the NICU for the first time can be overwhelming for both of you. Let them know what they’re going to see once you’re inside the NICU. Take a picture of the NICU baby beforehand and show it to your children days ahead before visiting. This gesture will prepare your children to visualize what their baby sibling will look like in the incubator. It’s okay if your children are fearful and don’t want to visit yet. Take their cues when they are ready. They may start to ask more questions about the baby or wanting to see more NICU pictures. Let them guide you; you’ll know when they’re ready. Visiting together can help your children cope with seeing their baby sibling in the NICU. In addition, it facilitates and promotes bonding. 6. Explain the NICU gadgets to their understanding Once in the NICU, they’ll have more questions about what’s happening. Let them know that those wires, alarms, tubes, and medications are there to help their siblings grow, heal, and feel better. My son was curious when he saw his baby sister for the first time. He thought that she was too tiny – which she was, as a 28 weeker preemie. Eventually, as he kept visiting her, he saw how she grew inside the isolette. He also was fascinated by how she responded to his gentle touch. He kept telling her that he loved her very much and couldn’t wait to take her home. As a parent, seeing that made my heart burst with joy and full of love. There’s no definite explanation for what you’re feeling. It’s all mixed up in there – inside your heart. RELATED POST: NICU Baby is Ready for Discharge 7. Encourage them to read/sing to their NICU sibling. Babies can already hear the voices coming from outside the womb. They become familiar with these voices in the family. Sibling bonds can naturally begin when you let them unfold. If they want, let them read their favorite book to their NICU sibling. Or sing to the baby with their favorite song. The baby can hear these sounds, which are already familiar to them, and will help them calm down. Your child can feel closer to the baby when they can share what they wish to do. For example, as they express how much they love their new baby sibling. 8. Pray together This one is big for our family. Prayer to us is talking to God and telling Him how we feel and our fears. For me, it was difficult to see what was ahead, what His plans were. But, what I learned by praying is to surrender everything and trust that His will be done. Let your children pray when they want to. A moment of silence in a busy NICU to spend time in prayer with your children. Or a quick visit to your church to light a candle of healing for their sibling. It may be hard for you as well to lean on your faith at this time. There may be instances that you also aren’t able to pray. However, experiencing this challenging journey can put a gap that presents questions on the purpose of everything. When your child asks to pray, hold hands and let them say the prayer. You’ll find that their innermost desires are simple yet powerful. It opens up a different connection that’s deeper than what you have imagined. 9. Let them help do NICU care for the baby sibling. The NICU allows time for parents or families to perform simple tasks for the NICU baby. With careful guidance, you can also let your children tend to their NICU siblings. These can be as simple as taking the temperature in the armpit or changing the diaper. Your children can participate in any NICU care that is simple for them to perform and easy for you or the NICU nurse to guide them. Celebrate together with every milestone. For example, how many ounces of weight was gained or the NG tube (feeding tube) had been discontinued. 10. Take a picture of the NICU baby and them. Pictures are encouraged to have for the children to remember. But, again, check with the NICU policy on this. It shouldn’t be an issue as long as you’re only including your NICU baby and your family. It was allowed for us in the past few years; there may be a strict policy of visitations now that Covid-19 is still ongoing. So it’s good to check with your specific hospital facility. We were able to take pictures with my preemie daughter and my son when he visited...

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NICU Baby is Ready for Discharge

Jordan N. — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:07:06 +0000

Is your NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) baby ready for discharge? Babies born too early (before 37 weeks) weighing 5 lbs or less are considered premature. Parents celebrate when it’s time to bring a NICU baby home. So what does it take to get ready for discharge with your NICU baby? What developmental milestones do your premature baby need to meet before leaving the hospital? When my premature daughter was admitted to the NICU, I received a checklist of conditions to meet before bringing her home. I want to share some of the discharge standards we’ve encountered and what you can expect in preparation to go home with your premature baby. That was almost six years ago when we took our 28-weeker preemie daughter home from the NICU. A joyous occasion for our family and also laced with concerns regarding taking her home. Today, she’s a five-year-old kindergartener with the same feistiness when she was born. Before this significant milestone happens, there’s plenty to check off from the NICU Discharge list. NICU parents take the lead in getting everything ready for the baby to go home. Thus, seeking education when it comes to caring for their newborn, adjusting from NICU to home life, and keeping a home that’s safe for a premature baby to transition. From feeding, monitoring essential body functions, and passing screening tests, these are the primary basis for your NICU baby’s discharge. What are the discharge criteria for a NICU baby? NICU babies are discharged when these criteria have been met. Parents can be confident that their baby is monitored during this time closely to determine physiological maturity. The healthcare providers will be by your side as your baby undergoes these tests and explain what will happen. It’s important to understand that every baby is not the same with their development, recovery, and even healing from illness. The healthcare team may set the date your baby is for discharge depending on how they adjust to the test, and corresponding results give the best indication that your baby is ready to come home. NICU baby is gaining steady weight with the nutrition the baby is receiving If your premature baby is feeding on their own with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding expressed milk/fortified breast milk/premature formula If your premature baby is gaining weight NICU baby can regulate their temperature in an open crib When your baby is moved to an open crib, their temperature can drop and fluctuate. One criterion for discharge is when your baby can continue to adjust their body temperature without the help of an isolette (incubator). Stable breathing and heart rate of your NICU baby Premature babies can have heart issues such as PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), an opening in their heart structures, and low blood pressure (hypotension). Their breathing may not stabilize; these premature babies may experience what they call the apnea of prematurity (when babies stop breathing). There are other two breathing problems that premature babies may experience: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) the lung structures of a premature baby are damaged, destroying the lung tissues inside the air sacs and Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) a baby’s lungs aren’t producing enough lung surfactant (the substance that keeps the air sacs in the lungs from collapsing. Other discharge criteria for a NICU baby ready to go home include: Able to pass the car seat test The NICU staff are testing your baby’s heart and lungs’ stability at this time. When premature babies aren’t tolerating the car seat challenge for 90-120 minutes, it will be repeated to reassess readiness. Able to pass a hearing test This hearing test is usually done the day or a day before the discharge date. Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist Your baby will be followed up closely for a year or more after discharge. What are classes or education do NICU parents need to attend before bringing a NICU baby home? It’s great to know how to care for your NICU baby at home. However, it can be intimidating to new parents when their newborns can have health issues added to being a newborn. This time, the purpose of parental education is to ensure the safety and proper care of the premature newborn and the adjustment of parents to the needs of their baby at home. Infant CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Ask your NICU nurse about the schedule and requirements to attend an Infant CPR class. Make sure you and your spouse attend the CPR class intended to educate parents on CPR steps in case of an emergency at home. Safe sleep Your neonatal doctor will recommend a safe sleep method and discuss SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Be certain to clarify any unclear information you received. It’s best to keep babies around your bedroom in their safe bassinet or attached bed at night. Know the precautions for preventing sleep accidents or injury. Make sure everyone is aware of what not to place in your baby’s crib or sleeping space. Proper feeding Suppose you decide to continue breastfeeding your NICU baby. In that case, there may be a need to fortify some of the feedings along with your breastmilk to help the NICU baby gain more weight. It’s important to discuss this with the neonatologist. Familiarize yourself with slow-paced feeding when introducing bottles to your NICU baby. The nurse can guide you through bottle-feeding your NICU baby with the slow-paced feeding technique. The nurse can also stay by your side while you bottle-feed your premature baby and check if everything is good. Car seat fitting and use Premature babies gain weight progressively. However, some infant car seats have weight limitations, and your baby may be weighing less than the required weight. Make sure you purchase the appropriate intended car seat according to your premature baby’s weight when the time comes. The NICU nurse will do a car seat test (tolerance test) in days before discharge. This test will also be the perfect time to ask for other precautions to safely strapping your premature baby in the car seat. Signs and Symptoms to watch out at home The nurse will also go over all the signs and symptoms your premature baby may experience at home and what to watch out for. Don’t hesitate to ask a question from the NICU doctor (neonatologist) about your baby’s health conditions. Oxygen use: Premature babies may require supplemental oxygen when they are discharged from the NICU. Your assigned nurse will instruct you on how to manage oxygen use with your baby at home. List down the precautions and what not to do when oxygen is used around the home. List down the settings, prepare the oxygen accessories and tank. You may also ask for a direct number to order the next oxygen tank to replenish your supply. Again, the social worker will let you know about resources on this, or they may have set it up for you already. Preparing to take your NICU baby home can bring up anxieties and worries typical of your experience. You may be doubting yourself if you’ll be able to care for your premature baby. Unfortunately, it’s common for parents to feel this way. Seek additional support when you think everything becomes overwhelming. The parental classes/ programs are set to help NICU parents prepare for an easy discharge and transition from NICU life. This post may contain some affiliate links. When you purchase from any of the links provided – I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Please read the complete disclosure here. RELATED POST: Tips for a Struggling NICU Mom: Surviving the NICU Life What can you do to prepare and get ready for discharge with your NICU baby? 1. Prepare the home for your premature baby – safe environment/ purchase the essentials. You may want to change the air filters on all vents in the house. Procure a room HEPA air portable A humidifier A white sound machine Getting a bassinet or safe sleeping space for your baby Make sure no smoking around the baby and in the home (shower if you do before getting close to the baby) Purchase a first-aid baby kit for your premature infant, apnea monitor/oxygen monitor (if baby uses oxygen), and thermometer. Newborn Clothing and accessories Baby Caddy for Essentials or Baby Roller Organizer. With this in mind, I couldn’t get everything ready beforehand as I did with my son’s full-term birth. I could only shop for a few outfits and a homecoming outfit closer to the discharge date for my daughter. We used the items listed above to make our home as ready as possible for the baby. You may be wondering why the white sound machine. You already know there are plenty of beeps and alarms buzzing 24 hours a day in the NICU. My daughter has been used to these hospital sounds. So, I made sure that what she hears besides our voices is a soothing sound that can calm her. 2. Confirm you have a proper car seat fit for your baby – current safety standards. Make sure you purchase the appropriate car seat for your premature infant. In addition, you may need to buy a travel system that goes with the car seat for ease of baby transport in and out of the home and clinic visits. Always double-check the car seat expiration date. The car seat must be a rear-facing one and has no extra things around it. 3. Arranging a leave from work to support the critical transition of your baby at home If you happen to work outside the home, you may request several days off or officially apply for an FMLA (Family Medical Leave of Act) extension to care for your newborn. Back when I was still working as a nurse, and I got approved for extended leave to bond with my premature daughter for an additional one month at home. That was very much needed and helpful as our family transitioned with her being home with us. Contact your human resource department and your boss on what you can avail yourself of at this time of transition. This arrangement will also depend on the type of work you have, so check with upper management what benefits you can avail. 4. Setting up follow-up appointments for your NICU baby with their doctors and therapists. Planning your routine includes appointments with your baby’s pediatrician to check for growth, development, and overall health. Your premature baby may be at risk for any developmental delays. Your baby may also see therapists the same as when they were still in the NICU. The home routine will include visits to these early intervention sessions. 5. Prepare your other children for the homecoming of their premature sibling(s). Your other children will have a big transition once the baby is home. Let them know that they can bond with the baby, and they also need to be gentle around the baby. Talk openly and let them understand why they need reminders about washing hands regularly and keeping hands away from the baby’s face and hands (baby puts hands in their mouth all the time). It’s helpful to answer your children’s questions about the birth/NICU time of the baby and have age-appropriate answers. Not knowing all the answers are okay. Then, you and your children can look them up and learn together. There’s also a program in NICU about sibling’s experiences; check with your nurse. This resource prepares your children to visit the NICU. However, they can also talk about strategies in helping your children with their questions when their premature sibling is coming home. Have them make something special to welcome their baby sibling. Also, let them participate in the preparation, like putting the baby things in order in the bedroom/baby room. Read books about Premature Baby and Siblings: Our New Baby is in the NICU by Lindsey Lucky or Waiting for A Baby: A Sibling Visits the NICU by Jennifer Bracci RELATED POST: Helping a...

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Tips for a Struggling NICU Mom: Surviving the NICU Life

Jordan N. — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 00:20:46 +0000

It’s heartbreaking and harrowing having a premature baby in the NICU. But as reality hit me that my baby would stay in the hospital and not come home with me – I became a NICU mom. In this post, I will be sharing tips on how you can survive the NICU life as a struggling mom. I never expected the day our daughter was born; I would also become a member of the NICU parents club. I’d never thought I would be in this challenging situation. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) life from any parent’s perspective is frightening. Even though I am a nurse by calling, nothing could have prepared me for the long nights and terrifying months inside the NICU life. It was hard. It was nerve-wracking and painful seeing our daughter born 12 weeks early in an incubator with all the wires attached to her tiny body. Being a mama came first, and it was hard witnessing how our baby could have been growing still in my womb. It was a mixed emotion of disbelief, guilt, numbness, anxiety, and fear. Who wouldn’t? NICU moms’ different emotions appear in this trying time – NICU time is brutal to parents (new ones or not). The NICU nurses were encouraging and supportive – that my situation will ease up soon and for me to stay strong. I’m confident they were trying to help me feel a bit better and calm. The first six weeks were difficult for my husband, our six years old son, and me. I couldn’t bear to see our son cry, knowing he had lost a sister a year before and now his other sister might not come home. That memory breaks my heart a hundred million times. My husband had to balance NICU visits, our son, his work, and with me battling postpartum anxiety. Yet, through God’s grace – we all thrived in our new everyday – life with a baby in the NICU. Find your rhythm as a family in these life-changing weeks or even months. It will be hard and trying. Here are tips to survive the NICU life, even as a struggling mom. 1. Take care of your basic needs. Sleep isn’t even on any NICU moms’ radar, but try to get some rest and enough sleep as possible. Also, eat a well-balanced diet and hydrate well to nourish yourself, especially if you’re pumping breastmilk for your premature baby. You are recovering from birth and healing during this postpartum period as well. I know it’s hard not to take in too much, especially juggling home and NICU life. But, if you had a C-section, your C-section wound is still fresh, new, and possibly painful – take it easy. 2. Engage in self-care activities that help you recharge in and out of the NICU. Find time to nurture yourself, even just for a couple of hours. You could read a good book while you sit by the isolette. If you knit as a hobby, you can incorporate a cute hat or booties for your baby. Find something that makes you happy and boosts your spirit. Take a short walk around the hospital garden. Spend time with your spouse/significant other. 3. Familiarize yourself with the routine in the NICU. When they check on your baby, doctor rounds, healthcare team meetings, primary baby care, feeding times, and kangaroo care time, when possible, be an active caregiver of your baby. As simple as taking your baby’s temperature or helping change how they are positioned. 4. Ask questions from your nurses and doctors assigned to your baby. They can explain what you didn’t understand or know. Don’t hesitate to clarify before deciding on any medical plans and treatments. You get to decide what happens to your baby regarding procedures and other NICU care. However, in an emergency event, you may not have a long time to decide. Therefore, they will need an immediate answer from you. Your NICU team will do whatever they can to help your baby if you aren’t around or unable to reach you to decide on emergency care. You may also be asked ahead of time about your wishes when a life-threatening event happens. 5. Reach out for support: Family and friends Other NICU parents NICU community support – NICU Helping Hands; Hand To Hold or March of Dimes NICU Family Support Church support groups You can lean on them for moral and spiritual support. Also, relatives/trusted friends/sitters can keep your other children occupied if medical procedures are scheduled for your NICU baby. 6. Document your NICU stay. You can journal about anything, about your baby, milestones, parent-healthcare team conferences, or your thoughts/emotions. If allowed, you can take pictures of your baby or you with your baby (newborn care, skin-to-skin, or feeding times). 7. Spend time with your other children. Reconnect with them between the NICU and home. It can be difficult for children to navigate the NICU routine and see their baby sibling’s condition. Being with your children can strengthen you as well as them. Ask them about their school and other activities. Spending time with them in these confusing times can help ease their worries and anxieties. RELATED POST: Helping a Sibling of a NICU Baby Adjust 8. Do this together with your spouse/significant other. It can be challenging when a spouse is working outside the home. Likewise, it’s challenging when your schedules might not meet up. However, you can readjust your visiting times together and sometimes alone. Also, don’t forget to open up with each other; communication is essential to stay connected. Finally, lean on each other; you both are taking this NICU journey together. My husband would visit our daughter in the NICU around 9 pm, and I stayed at home with our son. Then I would stay in the NICU all day while our son was at school. Then, we would visit or schedule it when he was off when our son came home from school, and we all went together. Ultimately, do what works for your family. 9. If you are religious, prayer can strengthen you. Get encouraged through the words of God and His promise. Let this experience strengthen your faith. You may have doubts and may even feel angry about what’s happening. You have every right to feel what you are feeling throughout this trying time. Also, you know what you can handle. Take the promise of His refuge, His perfect love. 10. If you are having trouble coping beyond what you can handle. Talk to a licensed therapist. Your doctor can refer you to a healthcare provider who can assist you in addressing your mental health needs. Reach out for help; the NICU social worker can also help you with the resources you need. 11. Breast Milk is recommended nutrition for NICU babies (Premature/Sick Newborns). That also means a pumping schedule for you. Your milk as a Preemie Mom may not come right away. At first, it’ll be just a few drops or milliliters, but as NICU nurses said – any amount of mama milk is gold. So stay with your pumping routine. These routines will be every 2 hours a day and every 3 hours at night. Ask for help if you are having lactation issues from nurses/lactation consultants. Pumping milk was the only thing I could do to help my baby and contribute. It encouraged me more to do what I could. However, suppose you are breaking down and having difficulty coping with everything after exploring every lactation solution. Please know that it’s okay to choose not to struggle anymore. It’s okay to use donated breastmilk or even the unique formula for NICU/Premature babies. Please don’t blame yourself for this challenging experience and not pumping your milk. Regardless of how your NICU baby is fed, your baby needs to get the nourishment they need. 12. Do skin-to-skin (Kangaroo Care) with your premature baby. This method is proven to help with the baby’s development, stabilizes the baby’s heart rate and breathing, and more. For moms, it lowers stress, increases bonding, improves your milk supply, and more. Every kangaroo time is a blessing to every NICU mom and provides many benefits to the baby. These cuddles were most precious to me. It also allowed my husband to hold our daughter and comfort her. Our son was able to be around her during these skin-to-skin times as well. Those are the NICU life survival tips for a struggling NICU Mom. One day at a time, Mama. As you walk in your NICU journey, know that you are not alone. Help is available for you and your spouse. Then, finally, the day will arrive when you can welcome your sweet baby home with you. Are you a mom with a little one in the NICU? I’m hoping this post is helpful as you navigate NICU life. I’d also love to hear from other NICU moms who have been there. Do you have other helpful tips to add to help another struggling NICU mom? September is the National Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month

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