Dear NICU Mom,

Dear New NICU Mom,

I"m writing this in my diary because I know you are getting bombarded with opinions and advice right now that you may or may not want. I went through that once and to tell you the truth I was in a fog through the first three days of it. I wanted my baby with me and with me then not when the NICU doctors told me I could to it.

First of all this is not your fault! Don’t take the blame; you did everything you could for this little person and it’s amazing he is simply on oxygen and not tolerating feedings yet or so I assume by the NG tube being fed into his mouth.

I have some words of what I believe is wisdom to share with you,

First of all take lots of photos and print them so you don’t have to dig for them when you want them. Put them in a little album and keep it close. Update it often and look at it as much as you want to without feeling guilty.

Take your pain meds; you will feel better in the long run if you don’t fight physical pain while you are spending time with that adorable baby of yours. Wean down to the OTC stuff when you can but take it easy and take care of yourself; use this time to rest when they won’t let you be with him.

If you are going to and from the hospital (I honestly hope you get to take him home with you!) don’t force yourself to go directly home to the empty house and empty baby space. Stop and shop or look at something on the way; I found it so much easier if I wore myself out a bit and went home and crashed and gradually woke up to no baby at home.

I noticed your little guy had one of the wraps around him that make the babies feel secure; as soon as they let him get dressed and start to swaddle him make the nurses show you how they do it; it will make life much more comfortable for him. I never used a sleep sack but they weren’t around when I was a NICU mom.

Don’t be afraid to call them with questions or concerns; they will fully understand. I pray he doesn’t come home on a monitor but if he does send your husband and family out to buy lots of snap sleepers and keep those leads completely untangled. It is vitally important.

If you need me you know my number and how to reach me on facebook.

Again Congrats on your beautiful new baby boy!

Love

A NICU survivor