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Home › Articles › Preemies › A Tour of the NICU

A Tour of the NICU

Everything You Need to Know About the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

By Katherine Bontrager

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The other thing Anderson encourages parents to do is to hold their baby's head, legs or hands while he or she is in the isolette. "Some infants are too ill or fragile to hold in your arms," she says. "I'd encourage 'holding' them on the warmer or in the isolette by placing your hand on their head, and cupping their arms or legs with your other hand to provide some containment and security. Infants generally are disturbed when stroked or rubbed."

But make sure that the infant's precious sleep isn't being interrupted. "Your infant's care is usually scheduled to allow time to sleep, grow and heal," Anderson says. "To allow for adequate rest, most NICUs cluster care. We encourage parents to interact with their infant with attention to their schedule, so that their sleep is uninterrupted."

"Not to go home with your baby in your arms is so hard, so I'd encourage moms to ask what they can do to participate in their baby's care," Anderson says. "It may not be much of anything, but come in, check on the baby, containment hold them and talk to the doctors. In a few weeks it may be kangaroo care, then a few more weeks could mean breastfeeding or helping with a bath."

TLC for All Concerned

But make sure that you're also taking care of yourself. So many parents put off their own basic necessities – eating, sleeping – in favor of hovering at the baby's bedside. Remember, your baby needs you to be healthy and sane, so have friends and family take care of stuff at home so you can focus on your basic needs and the care of your child.

"Rest as much as you can, though it's more easily said than done," Dr. Devaskar says. "Try and obtain as much help as you can so you can rest. Inadequate rest can lead to furher stress and frazzle you during this already stressful period in your lives."


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