How to Cope When Your Premature Baby is in the NICU?

You are over the moon about the newest addition to your family. But your baby decided to come early and is now in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). You can’t be in the same room as your baby, can’t breastfeed them or hold them for more than a few minutes. As a new parent, you are probably confused and stressed about what to do and how to cope while your premature baby is in the NICU.

In this article, we will discuss some tips that will help you and your partner manage stress and bond with your preemie while they are in the NICU.

Tips to Help You Cope When Your Premature Baby is in the NICU

Given below are some of the important tips that will help you cope with the situation when your premature baby is in the NICU:

1. Familiarize yourself with the NICU

Most parents are not aware of what exactly a NICU is and how things will proceed further. NICU is an ICU for premature babies where highly trained doctors and nurses will care for your baby. Parents can visit their premature baby but all other visitors are restricted. Depending on the hospital’s policies and your baby’s condition, you may be allowed to hold them and feed them.

2. Find time to bond with your baby

It is very crucial to establish a bond with your premature baby in the NICU. If you are with the baby, you must watch closely their discomfort or pleasure with particular sights, sounds, touches, tastes, smells or movements which will ultimately help in building a good bond with them. Try to hold your baby and establish skin-to-skin contact with them if allowed.

3. Establish a new routine

You must find a way to balance work, home, and visiting the hospital. Once you’re comfortable leaving your baby’s side, you can also rest at home. Your baby needs you, but it's also important to have time for yourself, with your partner, and with your other children. Also, find time to do the things you enjoy. These restful breaks will help you regain the strength to keep going.

4. Connect with fellow NICU parents

Not being with your baby can be a very lonely time for new parents. To combat this isolation, you can connect with fellow NICU parents as they share many of your feelings and struggles. You can also share your experiences, informally or in a support group.

5. Lean on your family for support

Your family and friends may prove to be a great source of strength for you during this critical period. Let them know how they can best help you, share some of your household responsibilities with them and don’t forget to share your feelings with them.

6. Explore your spiritual side

If you are a religious person, this is a great time to explore your spiritual side and seek some spiritual guidance from your priest or spiritual leader. You can also try meditating in silence or worshipping at a religious place to find some inner peace.

7. Journal your feelings

Expressing your feelings on paper can help you cope with and move through them. A journal may also strengthen your hope and patience by reminding you how far you and your baby have come. Voice your fears, and hope for the best.

8. Celebrate the little triumphs

Your premature baby will be in the NICU for somewhere between a few days to several weeks. Consider every day a new beginning full of hope and possibilities. And don’t forget to celebrate the little progress your preemie makes while at the NICU.

You may also like: How to Take Care of Your Premature Baby at Home: Some Useful Tips

Closing Thoughts

Being the parent of a premature baby can be very challenging but by learning how to cope with your feelings, you can become the best support for yourself and your little bundle of joy. This time will pass and soon enough you will take your baby home.