Navigating the NICU

Many babies are born at term and are healthy. There are a number of other children who need support in their early days. My daughter was one of those who stayed in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

The NICU can have a lot of staff walking around and your baby might be seen by many of them throughout the day. Who exactly will care for your baby?

The first person is YOU! You, the parents of this new baby are encouraged to take care of your baby as much as possible. This includes all the care you would have done at home: feeding, diapering, baths, singing songs, kangaroo care (skin-to-skin), reading books, and more. You are the most important careprovider because you are coming from a place of love for this little one and they will know it, no matter how early they may have arrived.

Your baby will have a pediatrician or neonatologist. This is the doctor that your baby will be assigned to. This is the person to discuss treatment plans with and work with them to get the care you would like to see for your baby.

Nurses are a big part of the team too. They are the ones who are interacting most with your baby (other than you). They will make sure that medications are on time, that the monitors are connected properly, and they will help you learn to care for your baby if there are additional considerations (usually machines and wires).

Respiratory Technologist (or RT for short). If your baby needs oxygen or any breathing support, they will be making sure that the treatment is working for your baby and providing instructions to the nursing staff about it. You can certainly ask them questions too about the support they are providing for your child.

Even little baby’s see dieticians sometimes. They ensure that they are getting the vitamins and calories to ensure optimal growth.

Lactation consultants are also available to help in the NICU. Baby’s who can’t suck yet can still get breastmilk. The lactation consultants can help you with questions about pumping, latching, and ensuring you establish a solid milk supply for your baby when he/she is ready.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) make sure that your baby is meeting developmental milestones. Most of these involve feeding skills but they can also answer questions about infant behaviours.

With all of the technical staff who each have an area of expertise, many NICUs have the support of a social worker or pastoral services. A lot can happen in short periods of time, which makes the intensive care unit an intense experience for some. Don’t be afraid to reach out to these people. They can listen and help you navigate your time there. Your hospital may offer a variety of resources for you and they can be your link to accessing some of the hidden gems. It is also important that at a time like this, when you face unexpected outcomes, that you surround yourself with positive support and take care of yourself so you can better care for your baby.

The neonatal intensive care unit can be a busy place but getting to know the staff who are participating with you in caring for your baby and building that relationship early, you can help your baby get a great start.