How to advocate for your baby in the NICU
Happy Prematurity Awareness Month!
Having a preemie is a wild, unexpected journey that nobody can be prepared for. A NICU stay can be traumatic, challenging, and scary for so many reasons. Also, preemies are some of the strongest among us, and come with their own sets of strengths and a resilience that few can match. This month we celebrate the tiniest humans, and the brave journeys that these little ones (and their families) are on!
Navigating the NICU, or any hospital stay, can be confusing and overwhelming. Much of baby’s care is taken from the parents and given to the medical team in order to provide best care for the baby. However, a parent or caregiver’s role in the NICU is irreplaceable.
Here are some ways you can advocate for your baby in the NICU!
Join in for rounds when you can
Every morning the medical team will round on your baby, discussing the plan for the day and any changes or updates. If you are able to join for rounds, this is a great way to stay up-to-date on your baby’s care plan, learn more about next steps, and give your own input on how things are going.
Participate in your baby’s care times
This might look like changing diapers, providing comforting touch, and/or offering breast milk with oral cares. Each baby’s cares are different, so ask your care team for the best ways to support your baby during cares.
For more about providing comforting touch and holding your baby in the NICU, click here.
Do your own research and ask questions
As in most things, there is usually more than one way to approach a topic. The same is true in health care. Your medical team will be making the best decisions for your baby based on current evidence and best practice. Asking questions based on your own research and learning can be an important part of the decision-making process.
If you want to read this article, click the picture for the link! :)
Speak up if something doesn’t feel right
Your baby will have monitors, labs, and a close eye kept on them throughout their hospital stay. But you know your baby best, so speak up if your baby seems to be in pain or discomfort. Often parents are the first to notice if something is not right, so tell your nurse or medical team if you feel that something is “off”.
Ask for a primary nurse who you really trust
Babies are often eligible for a primary nurse if they are expected to have a long hospital stay. Ask for a nurse that you trust and feel safe with in order to give your baby consistency of care, as well as to give parents and caregivers peace of mind!
Remember that YOU are a part of your baby’s care team!
Depending on your baby’s unique needs, they will likely have a team of professionals on their care team. It may include a neonatologist, pulmonologist, pharmacist, respiratory therapist, physical therapist (heyyy, it’s me!), and more. Each of these providers will be instrumental in your baby’s care, but never forget the importance of YOUR role in your baby’s care team! The neurologist may be the expert of a baby’s developing brain, and I’d like to think of myself as an expert in motor development. As the parent, YOU are the expert on your baby, and therefore a critical member of their care team. The role of a parent simply cannot be overstated.
