The NICU….who is ever prepared for it? What if you could talk to someone who’s been on that journey ahead of you and get wisdom from them? That’s what I want to do you for you. I’m going to share the highlights of what I would have wanted to know at the beginning.
Your call to action as a parent is here, you are now your baby’s advocator. Here comes a whole new world with new vocabulary, doctors, nurses & therapist’s from all over the hospital and strength you never knew you had. With all of this you will be overwhelmed, so I will suggest that you write down as much as possible. I would get so much information that I began to get details mixed up. And make sure you write down positive things, such as the goals you and the Dr.’s have for your baby, I found this helped me get through those sad & dark moments.
Photos just warm my heart. So take lots of pictures, show that precious bundle of joy off, it can help friends and family connect with what you’re going through and you can show your baby their journey when they are older.
Taking care of your self can be one of the hardest things to do through this time. I didn’t want to miss one thing! But getting a good meal and a shower helped me rejuvenate and collect my thoughts and emotions. As you reflect and what is going on behonest and if you need to be by yourself to get sleep or have a good cry, go do it, I found I was no help to the nurses or Dr.’s if I was making decisions with my emotions instead of a clear mind. You are all on a Team Baby!
The most rewarding thing that I was able to do for Izabella was pumping breast milk. I had decided before I even had her that I would be breastfeeding, so within hours of having her I was pumping. I know not all mama’s can or want to pump but I would say at least give it a try. I found it was the one thing I had control of and it was rewarding knowing I was aiding her while she fought her fight to live. We also had to use milk from a milk bank and I wish I could find every single one of those women who donated and give them a hug and show them my daughter who grew strong because of them!
At the end of the day try to remember if God brought you to it, God will bring you through it.
Tifini
Babies & Toddlers
I’ve been married to my husband TJ for eight years, and we have a daughter Izabella Hope. We live in a small town between Lincoln and Omaha, and we love raising our daughter here!
