premature baby in NICU or SCBU what is the Parents role.

Mum and dad can be involved right from the start in the care of a premature baby in the Nicu or SCBU. Depending how poorly baby is doesn't mean you cannot help at all or just to sit at the side and watch. Take an active role as soon as possible you will feel much better for it. Not all the time will you be able to help but tell the nurses you want to do your part. If they don't know you want to help they may just leave you at baby's bedside but become involved even if its just reading to baby a story so he or she can hear your voice or to touch a little finger or hand through the incubator.

Article by Sheila Sudlow

1.If mum is too poorly to take photos after baby is whisked off to the intensive care unit. Get dad or a nurse to do it for you,remember to takes lots and lots of baby pictures in the N.I.C.U.

Not only to treasure baby memories from day one, but to help keep your mind off the fact you will be so frustrated that you cannot hold and cuddle your premature baby just yet.

2.Dad or a friend can buy a scrapbook to recored every milestone.A milestone is a daily step nearer to going home from the NICU.

2.Try to be involved in the care of your early baby, as soon as the hospital staff say you can do. Not only will it help you bond with baby, but you will feel more in control in some of the care that you can give your ever so tiny baby.Helping to relieve some of the stress caused by traumatic early birth.Plus seeing your little one connected to all the wires etc in the N.I.C.U. room.

3.As soon as possible check with the hospitals policy on kangaroo care.Its a close relationship time that happens for short periods whilst baby is in the NICU. Baby is placed in direct skin to skin contact on your chest.It helps baby get a deper level of sleep and both you and baby feel closer to each other.Plus less stress for both you and baby.

3. Don't bottle up your feelings,and ask as many questions as you like even if you forget, nurses can give you good moral support when you need it as well as talking to other members of your family.You will feel a lot better by sharing your built up emotions with others.

4. The whole experience of having a premature sized infant can leave you with feeling out of your depth.At one point you will be fit and ready for discharge but baby may have to stay behind.it can put a lot of burden on the family as you take frequent visit back and forth to the hospital each day.

5.keep an Early Baby Diary.Record every moment good or bad.every milestone your baby reaches as it is one step further to you taking him/her Finally home.

6.Talk to other mums on the ward. You may be surprised, as well other new mums sharing their experience with you,and giving each other moral support, it also can be a way of generating new friends with mums of premature babies,which could even develop lifelong friendships between your premature children.

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