Topics in NICU & Special Needs Babies
Women with infants in hospital intensive care nurseries (also called units) are more likely to have had a c-section, a scary birth experience, and to have chronic health conditions compared to other moms. At the same time, moms are often so intensely focused on their babies, that they (and others) forget about their own well-being.
YOU matter!
Your body is still recovering from giving birth. You likely have a lot of aches and pains. Many changes are happening to your body, and you are probably very tired. It can be very hard to take care of yourself while your baby is in the hospital. You may want to fill out your own Postpartum Plan so others know how to support you.
Use this Taking Care of You booklet and share with a partner / friend to read about different aspects of recovery.
While many new parents with infants in the NICU spend a lot of time at the hospital, having a bag of supplies is helpful to pack and have with you in the hospital:
- Water bottle
- Sanitary pads
- Any medications you need throughout the day
- Doughnut or pillow (to sit on)
- Nutritious snacks, such as granola or protein bars and cut up fruits and veggies
- Breast pump and supplies if you are giving your baby human milk
- Toothbrush, hairbrush – supplies to help you feel okay
- Headphones to listen to music, a magazine, something that helps you relax
Food choices might be limited. If you are able to accept meals from friends, perhaps ask that it is packaged in a way you’re able to bring with you to the hospital. In this environment, it is easy to drink a lot of caffeine and not enough water.
Know the maternal health warning signs. If you are having any of these symptoms please tell a doctor or your baby’s nurse that you need immediate medical attention.
- Pain in your chest
- A hard time breathing
- Seizures
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Sudden swelling of your face or arms/legs
- High blood pressure (160/110 or higher)
- Nausea or throwing up
- Very little urine output (dark or no pee)
- Major changes in your behavior
- Hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
- Soaking through a sanitary pad in less than an hour
- There are other warning symptoms, so it is important for you and your partner to recognize and speak up if you are feeling any of these! Be sure you know the urgent maternal health warning signs, who to call for help, and when to call to help.
Thinking about your own postpartum visit may be the last thing on your mind but if you can get there, please do. This is a chance for a provider to focus on you. New guidelines suggest that you should call your provider before your scheduled visit if you need care or have questions. If your baby is in the hospital far from home, you can ask your provider if he/she could help you find a doctor near the hospital to take care of you. If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy or other conditions, it is important that someone checks your blood pressure and makes sure you are ok. View this sample form of things your provider may talk with you about during the visit.
Take a look at the New Parent Health Information Sheet to review important postpartum recovery information.
Note: Sometimes OB/GYNs don’t have complete information in their records about baby. They may not know that your baby is having problems or that you are dealing with the NICU. Tell them – they definitely want to know so they can take good care of you.
Resources to Explore:
