Navigating NICU Life: How to Stay Strong When Your Baby’s in the Hospital

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Nothing can prepare you for the pain of realizing you won’t get to bring your newborn home after giving birth. You probably imagined leaving the hospital while cradling your little one, and likely have already bought all the mommy essentials, like nursing pads and diaper bags. However, after a delicate, sensitive birth, your baby might need a little more time in the NICU to get stronger before making it home.

When your baby is in the NICU, you are tested in ways that are even harder than when you were pregnant. There might be moments of helplessness and anxiety every day. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to care for your well-being and stay strong. Here are some ways to care for yourself while staying present for your little bundle of joy.

Allow Yourself to Feel Everything

NICU life is extremely overwhelming. Moms feel guilt, fear, anxiety, and sadness every day, and the more you bottle those feelings up, the less present you’ll be in the long run.  Give yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling. Suppressing your emotions can lead to burnout or depression. Cry if you have to, talk to your partner and best friends, and maybe even a counselor. Take care of your mental health every day so you can stay strong emotionally.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

In the NICU, you’ll hear plenty of medical jargon and see intimidating equipment. When you don’t understand what’s happening to your baby, you might feel weaker and more anxious. To gain more confidence and feel more in control, don’t be afraid to ask any questions about your baby. The doctors and nurses are there to make sure you understand what’s happening at any moment. When it comes to caring for your baby, clarity about the situation is the bare minimum.

Create a Journal Documenting Your Visits

Keep a NICU journal where you can write about your feelings visiting your baby in the hospital every day. You can also track milestones, write down medical updates, and jot down personal moments with your little one. 

This written record provides a sense of progress and structure to your visiting routine. Keeping track of your baby’s progress can help you celebrate and find joy in the small wins as they come. Studies also show that parents who journal during their baby’s NICU days have lower anxiety about the situation.

Know Your Rights

If something about your baby’s condition doesn’t feel right, seek answers where you can, even if it’s outside the hospital. Understanding what happened to your baby can give you peace of mind and can even help you advocate for their health. 

In many cases, speaking to a lawyer from a birth injury law firm can help you clarify your legal options. They’ll help you understand whether there’s a valid concern about the events that led to your baby ending up in the NICU and what you should do to fight for their rights.

Endnote

Every day in the NICU is one day closer to finally bringing your baby home. Some days feel heavy, while others feel hopeful. Your job is to be present through it all, ask the right questions, celebrate your baby’s progress in little ways, and advocate for them when they need you to. Remember that you’re doing a great job, even on the days that don’t feel like it.