Surviving the NICU: Questions to Ask

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

17 Apr 2008 08:30 AM

I don't think anyone is ever quite prepared for the NICU experience. Yesterday, we talked about how it is emotionally draining and can leave you feeling very much out of control. However, it is important to become not only an advocate for your baby, but part of the medical team. I highly recommend purchasing a journal soon after the birth of a preemie.

Journaling the NICU Experience

I think many people find journaling cathartic. To be able to write what you cannot say and express your feelings openly without fear of being corrected or having them explained away is often very helpful. But the NICU journal serves another purpose. The NICU journal can help you track your baby's progress, keep track of questions you want to ask and keep track of the answers you get. Remember that in the NICU, there's no such thing as too many questions.

In addition to keeping track of your feelings and questions, I would also make a point to keep track of NICU policies and anything that your told where you might need to write down a name. For example, when our twins were in the hospital with jaundice, we asked if we could give a few other people permission to come and hold the babies as well. This was not typical of hospital policy but they made an exception given that we had young children at home and I simply couldn't be away for that long of a time and given that they were twins. I wrote down the doctor's name that gave permission so that when we were questioned about it on a different shift, I could say, Dr. so and so said this was okay.

Questions to Ask

Here are a list of questions that you want to ask while your baby is in the NICU.

*How is my baby doing today?

*How is my baby doing today?

Has anything changed?

What caused this condition?

How will this equipment or medication help my baby?

What types of tests are being given to my baby and what information will they provide?

Who is in charge of my baby's medical care? Who should I call if I have questions about my baby's condition? When are they in the hospital? (Keep in mind that doctor's and nurses work in shifts so your baby will likely have 2 to 3 nurses responsible for him as well as one primary pediatrician in addition to a secondary pediatrician for the night shift.)

How will I be informed of any major change in my baby's condition?

Can I hold my baby? (If not, what needs to happen before I can hold my baby?)

What can I do to take care of my baby?

The NICU is not easy but for a preemie, it is the best place to be.

Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, solves breastfeeding problems, shares parenting tips, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as a regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.

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Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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