At last, you have been given the green light to take your baby home. Obviously it is an exciting time, but alongside the relief of finally leaving the NICU, it can also be quite a daunting experience as you will now have sole responsibility for your baby’s care. You may be feeling a range of different emotions and realise that leaving hospital brings new challenges in caring for your baby.
One of the biggest hurdles that parents face is being able to transition from being in a situation with 24-hour hospital care to providing the 24-hour care needed at home. You may be nervous leaving the care and guidance of the doctors and nurses who cared for your baby, and at times it can be a little overwhelming taking on full responsibility for all of your baby’s needs.
The NICU journey is extremely demanding and it is common for parents to feel emotionally and physically depleted. When your baby is discharged from the hospital, the constant demands of caring for your newborn and lack of sleep can be exacerbated, but it is important to look after yourself.
Remember that it is okay for you to ask for help from your family, friends or health care providers if you feel like you are overwhelmed or struggling to cope. Health professionals such as your paediatrician, GP or maternal and child health nurse will be willing to give any help or support you need.
"When Olivia was born at 24.7 weeks, she weighed just 592 grams and her doctors gave her a 20% chance of survival. Thirteen weeks later, she weighed 2.2kg and finally got to come home with us on an apnea monitor. I was scared – she was tiny and rarely cried like a typical baby, much less acted like a three-month-old. It’s nerve-racking at times being a mum to a prem baby, but I thank God that she is here."
Stacy, mum to Olivia born at 24.7 weeks
Getting To Know Your Prem Baby Whilst in Hospital
The birth of a premature or sick newborn can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience for your family. You might be coming to terms with your baby’s birth, or be feeling powerless or anxious that your role as a parent has been diminished, while medical and nursing professionals provide the majority of care. You may even struggle with bonding in such a foreign and intense environment.
Most parents feel a little nervous or apprehensive when caring for their new baby, even when they are born healthy at full-term, but after the birth of a premature or sick newborn these anxious feelings may be intensified.
At first, you may be hesitant to get involved in your baby’s care due to their size or medical condition; however, you can both benefit immensely from contact and bonding.
Try not to feel rushed or pressured to participate in your baby’s care. Do things in your own time and talk to your baby's nurse about ways in which you can participate. Your baby's nurses can show you ways to care for your baby, which might include changing their nappies, cleaning their mouth or choosing their clean clothes. Staff are there to not only care for your baby, but also to answer your questions and help you build your confidence.
"I was too scared to touch my baby – I sat there looking at him through the porthole of the isolette for two days before I could muster up the courage to touch him."
Chloe, mum to Tyler born at 28.2 weeks and2 year old Elijah born at 25.4 weeks
Parent And Babycare Activities to Share Whilst in Hospital
Participating in your baby’s care is a great way to get to know your baby and learn about their temperament and personality. Your day-to-day involvement will depend on your baby’s medical condition and your confidence, though any contact will assist with bonding and will help you to take on more of an active role as your baby’s parent.
These are some ways you may be able to actively participate in your baby’s care; remember that your baby’s doctor or nurse or will be able to offer guidance and assistance to help you in any of these areas:
Watching
Every new parent will gaze at their baby; the parents of premature or sick newborns can spend hours a day watching their baby through the perspex walls of an isolette. Right from the start, one of the most important things you can do is watch your baby and begin to learn how they communicate, how they are coping with what is happening around them, what they like and dislike, and when they are feeling well or tired.
Comforting
Even when your baby is very sick, you can offer them comfort. Every baby is unique so it is best to ask your doctor, nurse or allied health professional for ways in which you can help. These may include cupping a warm hand around their head, cupping your hands around their feet or giving your baby a finger to grasp. Pre-term and sick babies usually like it best when you keep your hands still; stroking, especially with light movements, can sometimes be irritating for them. A consistent, gentle touch will be the most reassuring for your baby.
Your Voice
Your baby spent many months in-utero listening to your voice, and just as you talked to them before they were born, you can continue to do so after their birth. You may like to tell them about your day, sing to them or spend time reading stories. It can be a truly special time for both of you and listening to your voice can also bring your baby comfort.
Routine Care
While in the NICU, your baby will require routine care. Participating in these activities will enable you to become more involved and take an active role in their care. Your baby’s routine will depend on the hospital and his or her medical condition, but tasks may include:
- Taking their temperature.
- Changing nappies.
- Cleaning their eyes and mouth.
- Changing their clothes and bedding.
- Bathing.
- Weighing.
- Feeding.
Looking and Listening
As your baby grows and becomes more alert, you will be able to spend time being sociable together. Perhaps you will notice your baby turning their head to find your voice, or opening their eyes when they hear you. As your baby gets stronger, you may notice them trying to look and follow you or even a small toy. Spending time getting to know each other is very important and will help you to learn how they communicate.
Cuddles and Kangaroo Care
Depending on your baby’s medical condition, you may be able to have your first cuddle the day they are born. Other times, you may need to wait days or weeks before their condition is stable enough for you to do so.
It is a good idea to ask your baby’s nurse when would be a good time, as some days may be better than others depending on how your baby is feeling, how you are feeling or what is going on in the nursery.
Kangaroo care or skin-to-skin care is a special way both mums and dads can spend time holding their baby and it is an experience parents remember fondly during their hospital stay.
Babies wear only a nappy and are placed in an upright position directly on their dad’s bare chest or between mum’s bare breasts. The baby’s head will be turned to the side and then a blanket is placed on top.
Kangaroo care can be done with both premature and full-term babies and is known to have many benefits, such as:
- Maintaining the baby’s body temperature.
- Regulating the baby’s heart and breathing rates.
- Encouraging the baby to spend more time in a deep sleep.
- Increasing the baby’s weight gain.
- Improving breast milk production and increasing the chance of successful breastfeeding.
- Improving parent and infant bonding.
- Improving oxygen saturation levels.
- Parents should not apply strong perfumes and deodorant or smoke before participating in kangaroo care time with their baby.
If the doctors feel that cuddling would be too much for your baby, you can still provide them comfort by offering your finger to grasp, talking or singing to them.
"I visited my daughter an average of 10 hours everyday and spent most hours next to her bedside. The time I treasured most was our daily Kangaroo cuddles; we would spend 2 hours snuggling together, often with the both of us drifting off to sleep. Though there were lots happening around us it often seemed that we were the only two people in the room".
Brooke, mum to Amaya born at 29 weeks.
Feeding
For many mothers, expressing and breastfeeding is one of the most beneficial and rewarding things they can do for their baby. This is a time when relationships are formed and bonds are forged.
Generally, a premature baby’s digestive system is ready for milk feeds before they are actually able to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing.
If your baby requires tube feeding, your nurse will check that the feeding tube is in the correct position. Tube feeds are easier to digest if they are given very slowly, so it is a good idea to get comfortable before the feed begins; it can be tiring holding a syringe in the air for long periods.
When your baby can coordinate their sucking, swallowing and breathing effectively, you can begin breastfeeding or your expressed breast milk can be given in a bottle.
Copyright Louise Shalders.
