Comments on: 7 Important Tips for NICU Parents

By: Lauren

Lauren — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 14:40:45 +0000

This is very helpful, thank you! I’m in the hospital awaiting a scheduled caesarean for our little girl, who is nearing 33 weeks and weighs around 4 pounds. I was diagnosed with vasa previa at 20 weeks, which was very scary, and they want to deliver her at 34 or 35 weeks. I’ve been in the hospital for almost 4 weeks now and am constantly being monitored by a great staff of doctors and nurses. It’s our first birth, definitely not the birth story we had hoped for but I’m learning that no pregnancy goes exactly as planned, and every day with this little one has been a gift. Appreciate hearing from others and learning what to expect when she goes to the NICU in 1-2 weeks!

By: katie

katie — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 15:56:27 +0000

Thank you for sharing your story and these helpful suggestions! It does this mama-to-be good to have this info as I prepare. I’m so happy your daughter is healthy and home with you!

By: Zahid

Zahid — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 11:50:51 +0000

It was a good read. Thanks for posting this.

By: John

John — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 22:41:25 +0000

That sounds hard that you couldn’t follow your baby the NICU. That sounds hard. My wife has been having complications, so I appreciate your thoughts on this.

By: Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 19:58:30 +0000

Thank you SO much for posting this. My first baby was born 6 weeks early (while we were on vacation..) and needed to stay in NICU for 8 days (while we lived in a hotel). Though he’s a happy, healthy 2 year old now, it was pretty traumatic because we were just so unprepared and didn’t even know what NICU was. This is great and much-needed education for moms who deliver early and I’m really glad you’re putting this out there!

I’d also add, bond with the other parents in addition to the nurses. Whether you are there for 8 days or several months, having other people who empathize with what you’re going through can be really wonderful support.

By: Meg Collins

Meg Collins — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 21:26:17 +0000

In reply to Martha. Positive thoughts for you and your baby! -- Meg

By: Martha

Martha — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 02:37:08 +0000

Thank you soo much for this piece. My water broke at 31wks 5days and I had been stuck in the hospital for 2 weeks. I will be induced at 34 wks and my baby will have to go to the NICU. This is the hardest thing to think about especially if you had a normal pregnancy. This really helped me feel more calm and knowing that my fears are not unwarranted and I am not alone make it easier to deal with. Our tour of the NICU was a bit scary but I know my little one will be in good hands and I will definitely make my presence known. Looking forward for this part being over and bringing home a healthy baby soon.

By: Tennille

Tennille — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 01:47:17 +0000

This is a great article – I delivered at 28 weeks to a 2 lb 12 oz baby boy. One thing you don’t touch on in your article that I think is important is being able to identify symptoms of postpartum depression/anxiety and PTSD – parents of NICU babies are much more likely to experience these things and it’s good to remind new parents of NICU babies what to watch for and how to get help. It’s been 5.5 months, and our son has been home for nearly 3 months, and I still wake up from nightmares about my experiences there and experience extreme anxiety. It was 3 weeks after we were home before I felt sure that the NICU wasn’t going to call me to tell me they made a mistake and I needed to bring him back (funny now, but the anxiety wasn’t funny at the time). Great article with important advice, but this was one area that may have been lacking. I’d also encourage all parents to consider utilizing a Ronald McDonald House if there is one nearby – some have Day Pass programs so that even parents who aren’t staying there can benefit from their programs (such as homecooked meals, laundry facilities, showers, and a support system) – we couldn’t have made it through our 85 day stay without them!

By: Christine Peterson

Christine Peterson — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 19:13:06 +0000

Thank you so much! At 33 weeks today, we’re still doing so-far-so-good, but this is the most positive and comforting thing I’ve read about the possibility of needing NICU care. I feel like one potential worry had just dissipated. And with so much on my mind right now, that’s a major win. I really, truly appreciate you sharing this story.

By: Melissa Kresser

Melissa Kresser — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 18:41:39 +0000

In reply to Alex Day. So glad to hear! Congratulations!