As all of us bloggers unite throughout the land, it makes me think how very different each of our lives are, yet how we all have something special in common: we’ve come here today to help those babies who can’t help themselves. In my previous post, Prematurity Awareness Month, I highlighted prematurity and how we can all help the March of Dimes fight for preemies. Today, I write for preemies; not for just one baby, but for the thousands that I have cared for in the past decade, for their families and for all preemies around the world.Having a premature baby is very difficult for new parents. Most parents have never heard of the neonatal ICU (NICU) before and now here they are, watching their tiny newborn fight for life. Between the loud monitors and ventilators, the inability to hold their child in such a fragile state and the multiple ailments that can occur throughout hospitalization (including, but not limited to: infections, respiratory instability, apnea (cessation of breathing >20 seconds) and bradycardias (heart rate <100 beats per minute), blood transfusions, feeding intolerances) it’s no wonder why most parents feel helpless, frightened and saddened.
Although it may not seem like it initially, there are many things that you as a parent can do to help your precious angel along. Here are just a few suggestions:
–Get your rest. You will need your energy in the following days to come. Stress and lack of sleep can negatively impact your breast milk and your overall well-being.
–Whenever possible, provide breast milk for your baby. If you can’t provide it, don’t worry, there are alternatives. You can always discuss using donated breast milk from a breast milk bank with your neonatologist and lactation consultant. And if this is not an option, formula is always readily available in all units.
–In the early days in the NICU, more often than not, your newborn will not be able to tolerate too much handling. In the NICU, we encourage cluster care to allow for uninterrupted rest to help the neonate recover and conserve calories and energy. With that said, we do encourage parents to touch their newborn. The best way to do this is to gently place your clean hand on your child. Try to refrain from stroking/rubbing since this can be over stimulating.
–Once your baby is stable enough, ask your nurses and neonatologist if you can hold your baby skin-to-skin. This is called kangaroo care and has been shown to improve bonding, promote breast milk production and can possibly facilitate earlier discharge from the hospital. Don’t be discouraged if your little one does not tolerate this for the full hour. Some days are better than others. Just be mindful of your baby’s cues and once he/she has had enough, ask the nurses to kindly put your baby back to bed.
–Be your baby’s advocate and ensure every visitor (including yourself) washes their hands, is not ill and does not have open mouth lesions when visiting your child. There may be days that your baby will need extra rest and an influx of visitors can be too much.
–Bring books and read to your baby.
–As the days go on and your baby gets stronger, participate in your baby’s care whenever possible. Changing diapers, taking temperatures, holding tube feedings or breast/bottle feeding whenever possible, and giving your baby a bath are all activities which will help you feel involved in your baby’s care and prepare you for discharge.
Today, I join the March of Dimes and am Fighting for Preemies. I write for all you little angels who have been born too soon and for all you mommies and daddies who have just begun your roller coaster life in the NICU. Be strong and I hope these suggestions help you during this difficult time of your lives.
Babies 411 – Babies Are Our Business
Babies 411 is an on-line information and resource center for parents. This site has been developed by a neonatal intensive care nurse with the sole purpose of promoting the health, safety, an well-being of all babies.
Author : Diba Tillery RN, BSN, IBCLC, CPST
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