Being involved in your child's care
Being involved in your baby’s care in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) can be both empowering and reassuring. Although your baby is in the hands of a skilled medical team, you are still a crucial part of your baby's journey and healing process. There are various ways to get involved, and doing so can help you feel more connected to your baby, contribute to their well-being, and support the NICU staff. Here are ways you can participate in your baby’s care in the NICU.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. That is what NICU stands for, the section in a hospital that is home to many premature and sick babies, but they aren't always just premature and sick babies in the NICU.
Stay Informed
Knowledge is empowering, so it’s important to understand your baby’s condition, care plan, and medical needs. The more you know, the more involved you can be in your baby's care.
Don’t hesitate to ask the NICU team to explain medical terms, the treatments being used, and the baby’s progress. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but clear communication can help you feel more confident and engaged.
Ask to be present during daily rounds where the NICU team discusses your baby’s status. This is a great time to get updates and ask specific questions about your baby’s care.
Record your baby’s milestones, even small ones, like breathing without assistance or gaining weight. This can help you track their progress and stay connected to their growth.
Be Present
Your presence is comforting to your baby, even if they are too small to recognize you right away. Simply being there and spending time in the NICU helps you bond with your baby and shows that you’re actively involved in their care.
Visit your baby as often as possible, and let the NICU team know when you'll be there. Your presence provides emotional comfort and reassurance for your baby.
Even though your baby might be in an incubator, hearing your voice can be comforting. Talk, sing, or read to them, which can help stimulate their development and make them feel more secure.
If your baby is stable enough, ask if you can touch them or gently hold their hand. This physical contact is important for bonding and promoting comfort and well-being.
Support Your Baby’s Routine
Understanding your baby’s care routine and supporting the medical team’s efforts can help you stay connected and feel involved.
Understand your baby's feeding schedule! If your baby is on a specific feeding routine (such as tube feeding or breast milk via bottle), you can actively participate in feeding times when appropriate.
Some parents like to learn about the equipment used to monitor vital signs (such as heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen levels, and temperature).
Be an advocate for your baby. As you become familiar with the medical care your baby is receiving, you can become an advocate for their needs. Speak up if you have concerns or if you’d like to be more involved in certain aspects of care. For example, ask if there are specific procedures you can be present for or if there are ways you can help facilitate your baby’s development.
Participate in Care Activities
Depending on the baby's condition and their stage of development, there are several care activities you can participate in, which can help nurture both you and your baby.
If your baby is stable enough, you may be able to feed them, either by breastfeeding or through a feeding tube. Even if breastfeeding isn’t possible initially, providing expressed milk (if you’re able to pump) can be beneficial. You can also work with the lactation consultant in the NICU to help establish breastfeeding.
Kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact). This is one of the most beneficial ways to bond with your premature or sick baby. If your baby’s condition allows, kangaroo care involves holding your baby on your chest with skin-to-skin contact. This can help regulate their body temperature, stabilize heart rate, and provide emotional benefits for both you and your baby.
Assist with diaper changes and other care tasks. As your baby’s condition improves, you may be able to assist with simple care tasks like changing diapers, adjusting their position, or helping with their daily hygiene needs.
Take part in developmental care, ask the NICU team about developmental care techniques, such as providing your baby with opportunities for quiet, low-stimulation environments. You can also help with simple activities like gently rocking them or talking to them to promote emotional development.
Collaborate with the NICU Team
Building a relationship with the medical professionals in the NICU will help you feel more involved in your baby’s care and foster teamwork. The NICU team, which includes neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and lactation consultants, will be your partners in providing the best care for your baby.
Communicate openly. Share any questions, concerns, or observations you have about your baby’s care. Be proactive in discussing your goals for your baby’s development, feeding, and care.
Work with specialists. NICU teams often include specialists such as respiratory therapists or physical therapists. Collaborating with these specialists can provide additional insight into your baby’s needs, particularly if your baby requires specific therapies.
Ask for updates. Be involved in care discussions and ask for regular updates on your baby’s condition. The team will usually be happy to keep you informed, and some hospitals have daily or weekly meetings with families to discuss the baby’s progress.
Take Care of Yourself
While it’s natural to want to be there every moment for your baby, taking care of your own physical and emotional well-being is equally important. Your mental health and well-being impact your ability to care for your baby, so it’s essential to prioritize self-care.
Get enough rest. It’s easy to burn out when spending long hours at the NICU. Rest is crucial for both physical recovery and emotional resilience.
Eat and hydrate properly. Caring for yourself physically can help you stay strong emotionally and be more present with your baby.
Seek emotional support! Being involved in the NICU journey can be incredibly stressful, so it’s important to talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Many NICUs offer social workers or counselors to support parents through this challenging time.
Celebrate Progress
Every small milestone your baby reaches is a victory. Whether it’s your baby breathing without assistance, gaining weight, or opening their eyes, celebrate these moments. Taking time to reflect on your baby’s progress can help you stay connected and positive, even during challenging times.
Getting involved in your baby’s care in the NICU can be a powerful way to strengthen the bond between you and your baby. By being present, asking questions, participating in care activities, and collaborating with the medical team, you can play an active role in supporting your baby's journey. Above all, it’s important to be kind to yourself. The NICU experience can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to ask for help and take breaks when needed. Through each step, remember that your love, presence, and care are some of the most important things you can offer your baby during this critical time.
