Your Feelings About Your Baby
Parents of babies in the NICU are almost always afraid, largely because everything (the people, equipment and routines) in this special nursery is new and unfamiliar to them. Many parents can’t eat or sleep well at first. They have trouble understanding what they are told about their baby. It’s hard for them to concentrate on everyday activities, and they may even have trouble taking care of themselves or their children. A social worker or counselor can help you sort out your feelings and put you in touch with other parents who are experiencing the same reactions. The social worker can also help you communicate with the medical and nursing staff.

Parent Support Team

1) NICU Social Worker
A clinical social worker who specializes in the problems of families with sick newborns is available to talk and work with you. The social worker can help with the emotional stress of your infant’s hospitalization, and can also refer you to various community services that you may need. Her phone number is 647-3537.

2) Parent Care Coordinator
The NICU Parent Care Coordinator is available to talk with you about any issues related to NICU. She can also provide you with the names of other parents who have had a baby in NICU. These parents can provide unique understanding and support of the experiences that you may have in NICU. The Parent Care Coordinator’s phone number is 647-3179.

3) Developmental Therapist
The NICU Developmental Therapist is a therapist with additional training in assessment and developmental supportive care of infants. The specialist is available to talk with you about your baby’s abilities and needs for follow-up after discharge.

4) Chaplain
The NICU Chaplain is specially trained in helping NICU families. She is available to help with the emotional and spiritual stress of your baby’s hospitalization. Her phone number is 647-2289.

5) Breastfeeding Support Services
The nurses in the breastfeeding support services are specially trained in helping
with all issues related to breastfeeding your baby while in the hospital or when you are discharged. Their number is 647-3475.

SUPPORT RESOURCES

1) TLC Matters - Parenting Your Baby in NICU
TLC Matters is a class taught by the NICU Developmental Care Committee staff. It covers topics important for the care of your infant including: infant behavior, stress/readiness cues, and appropriate stimulation. You are encouraged to come to the class shortly after your baby is admitted to NICU. It will help you learn to interact with your baby. The class is offered every Wednesday evening from 5 to 6 p.m. Meet in the NICU and a staff member will show you where the class is meeting.

2) CarePages
CarePages are free, easy-to-use Web pages that help family and friends communicate when a loved one is receiving care. It takes just a few minutes to create a CarePage, share it with friends and family, and build a community of support.

CarePages help Families:

Create a virtual meeting place on the web
Share news and photos as often as needed
Receive emotional support during a time of need

You can start your care page at http://www.qualityoflife.org/carepages/

3) Scrapbooking
A scrapbooking session is held each week for the family and friends of the babies in the NICU. The day and time are rearranged to accommodate the current schedules of the parents. The “Next Session” notice posted on the bulletin board near the entry sinks, will indicate the time and location of each upcoming session.

Those who attend are asked to bring personal items, such as cards, notes, premie diapers, monitor leads, ultrasounds and all other items that document their experience in our NICU. We will supply all paper, stickers, borders, adhesives and other great things to help arrange pages that tell the story of your new baby.

Sessions are held near the unit so that parents can accommodate their infant’s feeding schedule. Stay as long as you like. This a great opportunity to meet other parents and to create something that will last forever. No experience is necessary!

4) Memory Books
A memory book for each baby in NICU is provided at the baby’s bedside. This book provides valuable information about the procedures in NICU, growth and development of your baby, things your baby needs to do before discharge and many other resources for you and your baby. This book is for you to keep. We encourage you to read it so you can be more informed about your baby’s care.

5) Discharge Class
The NICU offers classes to help you learn to care for your infant and prepare you for taking your baby home. The class offers infant CPR instruction, practice of these skills and information on discharge procedures. The discharge coordinator will contact you to help arrange for teaching.