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    Booklet v1

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    moments and stressful times. But eventually, looking back, The document provides information and resources for parents of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It discusses: you will see how far you and your baby have come. You will 1) The roles and responsibilities of various NICU staff members who care for babies. be so proud of your strength and ability to care for your 2) Advice for parents on how to be involved in their baby's care, such as asking questions and learning skills. precious baby through it all. The memories made and lessons 3) Resources available to parents in the NICU, including classes on k

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    Booklet v1

    Uploaded by

    ddwrt1234
    29 views5 pages
    moments and stressful times. But eventually, looking back, The document provides information and resources for parents of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It discusses: you will see how far you and your baby have come. You will 1) The roles and responsibilities of various NICU staff members who care for babies. be so proud of your strength and ability to care for your 2) Advice for parents on how to be involved in their baby's care, such as asking questions and learning skills. precious baby through it all. The memories made and lessons 3) Resources available to parents in the NICU, including classes on k

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    Booklet v1

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    moments and stressful times. But eventually, looking back, The document provides information and resources for parents of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It discusses: you will see how far you and your baby have come. You will 1) The roles and responsibilities of various NICU staff members who care for babies. be so proud of your strength and ability to care for your 2) Advice for parents on how to be involved in their baby's care, such as asking questions and learning skills. precious baby through it all. The memories made and lessons 3) Resources available to parents in the NICU, including classes on k

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    29 views5 pages

    Booklet v1

    Uploaded by

    ddwrt1234
    moments and stressful times. But eventually, looking back, The document provides information and resources for parents of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It discusses: you will see how far you and your baby have come. You will 1) The roles and responsibilities of various NICU staff members who care for babies. be so proud of your strength and ability to care for your 2) Advice for parents on how to be involved in their baby's care, such as asking questions and learning skills. precious baby through it all. The memories made and lessons 3) Resources available to parents in the NICU, including classes on k

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 5

    NICU Toolbox

    For Parents

    MARCH OF DIMES
    What parents CAN do in the NICU:
    Use this guide as a starting point for a;sldkfja;lskdjf;aksdjf;kajds;fkja;sdkfja;slkdfj;laksjdf;lkajsdlfkjsl
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    Please visit our website for more information

    WWW.MARCHOFDIMES.ORG

    Healthy babies are worth the wait



    March of Dimes

    NICU STAFF
    The staff members working in the NICU are dedicated to you and
    your babies care. It is their goal, to give you the best, most comforting experience possible.
    From the start, make it your goal o form a good working relationship with the NICU staff. As you get to know your
    babies doctors and nurses, you will feel more comfortable approaching them and asking questions or making suggestions. Ask them to keep you informed about your babys medical condition. When there are choices about your
    babys medical care, you should be included in making those important decisions. After all, you and your babys

    PARENTS: AN INTRODUCTION
    Your baby is born. But the wonderful time you imagined for so long has taken
    an unexpected turn. Your baby needs special medical care.
    Your baby requires this specialized medical care in a section of the hostpital called the Newborn Intensive Care Unit or NICU. This area of the hospital provides around-the-clock care to sick or pre-mature
    infants.

    medical caregivers are a team, and you all share the same goal --- the best care for your baby.

    WHO ARE THEY AND WHAT DO THEY DO?


    There are several people who may work together in the NICU to help you and your baby. They are highly trained to
    work with babies who need specialized medical care. Below is a brief list of NICU Staff Members and what they do.

    Nurse: The types of nurses and their functions vary with each NICU. Bedside nurses
    are trained to care for babies in the NICU
    and will be involved with the daily care
    of your baby. They can answer questions
    about your baby and will show you how
    you may help in your babys care.

    THIS BOOKLET IS DESIGNED TO GIVE YOU


    THE INFORMATION YOU NEED DURING
    YOUR FAMILYS TIME IN THE NICU

    Neonatologist/Intensivist: This doctor will


    oversee your babys care but may consult
    with other types of doctors based on your
    babys needs.

    Throughout the information presented, you will find topics

    Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: This nurse has

    such as Staff members and their roles, basic advice on what to

    Pharmacist: Responsible for overseeing


    your babys medication

    do and what not to do during your time in the NICU, Transitioning home from the NICU and Resources to help you along.

    March of Dimes Coordinator: Will provide


    information about how to deal with your
    baby being in the NICU
    Social Worker: Person trained to help you
    connect with resources you may need
    along the way, such as home medical
    supplies and services to help with learning, motor skills, growth and counseling.
    Finanical concerns are also discussed with
    the Social Worker.

    Audiologist: Person with special training in testing and treating


    problems related to hearing.
    Hearing Screener: Person who tests your babys hearing
    Counselor: Person who has special training to help patients
    who are distressed and who need help with non-medical problems
    Dietitian: Person who focuses on nutrition needs for your baby
    Lactation Consultant: Person with special training on breastfeeding issues
    Respiratory Therapist: Person who assists with lung an breathing
    Other Types of Doctors:
    Cardiologist: the heart and structures that connect to it
    Developmental Pediatrician: growth, learnings and emotional health needs for
    a child
    Endocrinologist: specialty of treatment of diseases related to hormones
    Gastroenterologist: speciality in organs involved in digestion
    Geneticist: the health problems that are passe through family lines
    Infectious Disease Specialist: infections that may affect the babys well-being
    Nephrologist: the kidneys and structures that connect with them
    Neurologist: the nervous system

    Use the combination of breastmilk


    and formula, bottle-feeding and nursing that works best for you and your

    Be aware of bonding with your baby.

    baby.

    Keep your balance- there may be times when contact with your baby creates discomfort for him/her. This does not
    mean that your baby isnt bonding with you. Keep yourself going, your baby is always growing and changing. Be
    aware and watch for your babys cues, these are signals that tell you how he/she is feeling and how much contact
    your baby can handle. Keep an open channel of communication with your baby and communicate clearly. NICU
    babies are often in need of very clean and patient respones from parents. Be sure to seek help with bonding with
    your baby if that becomes an issue. Your OTs and nurses can help you learn about yoru babys unique needs and
    how to respond to his/her cues.

    Allow the baby to smell the scent of you. Your


    scent is very calming to your baby however, keep

    The most important thing you can do right now is be an active member of your babys health care team.
    The Health Care Team will work with you to do what is best for yoru baby.

    in mind, that your scent must be natural not perfumes, lotions, hairsprays etc.
    Check your mailbox and calendar. This will help
    you keep on task with your daily routine and appointments.

    THE PARENTS

    Let nurses know when you are going to be coming


    into the NICU. By making your timing known, the

    Here is some advice on what you can and should do while in the NICU with your baby.
    Ask Questions: This can help you keep track of your babys care

    nurses can schdule feedings around your arrival.

    Start a journal: This will allow emotional involvment


    and a place to express feelings, thoughts and con-

    Share information with your family: This will help them know

    cerns in a private place.

    where your baby is, how he/she is being cared for and how they
    can help you

    Learn everything you can: You can do this by watching your health care professionals, asking questions,

    Take care of yourself: Seek help from family, friends and hospital

    attending classes that Parent Support hosts to help

    staff such as counselors, social workers or pastors. These people

    parents during their time in the NICU.

    are there to help you through stressful times.

    Learn about your babys unique needs for feeding. Be sure to attend the Mothers Milk Club and ask questions:
    Can I hold my baby skin-to-skin?
    How will my medications that I am taking affect breast milk and my baby?
    Is breast milk the only food my baby needs now?
    Is there a quiet/private place I can go to breastfeed or pum milk and/or breastfeed my baby?

    Be aware of Hygiene:

    About how many times per day should I try to pump milk and/or breastfeed my baby?

    Learn about infections and how they spread


    Provide mothers breast milk or even colostrums
    when possible
    Taking steps to control infection after you take
    your baby home

    There are also some important items to keep in mind to avoid doing in the NICU. Please be aware of your own
    personal hygiene and do not come to the NICU while ill. Always remember to wash your hands after phone use
    to avoid spreading germs and illness.

    Working as partners with your healthcare team to


    follow all prevention measures
    Practice good handwashing

    Please do not bring any pets to the NICU. Pets can spread germs and disease and create an insterile envrionment.

    Wash hands after touching the phone, door


    knobs etc.
    Be aware of other ways to control infections
    Keep noise levels at babys bedside very low: The
    most vital sounds for the baby are the parents
    voices. Attend the class to learn how to understand

    In addition to pets, please refain from bringing any children into the NICU.

    It is now time for your baby to go home, now what?


    At some point, your baby will leave the NICU. Most babies leave the NICU and grow into normal, healthy
    children. Some leave the NICU with temporary or chronic medical conditions. Either way, your healthcare
    team will be sure that you and your baby are ready for the transition home.

    RESOURCES
    Throughout your time in the NICU, you and your family are not alone. Your
    healthcare team is here to help you through every step of the way.
    Kangaroo Care, Holding Your Baby Close
    This is the practice of holding your diapered baby on your bare chest
    or between your breasts with a blanket draped over your babys
    back. This skin-to-skin contact is benefical for both you and your
    baby. Kangaroo Care can also help your baby:

    Maintain body warmth

    Regulate his heart bat and breathing rates

    Gain weight

    Spend more time in deep sleep

    Spend more time being quiet and alert and less time crying

    Have a better chance of successful breast feeding

    Reduce the comfort the baby may feel

    Here are some key steps to help make the move from the NICU to home:
    Make an appointment with the pediatrician when you arrive home
    Be sure to know what tests have been done for your baby before leaving the hospital and
    what tests still need to be done
    Record details about your baby such as test performed, medicines to take home, training
    recieved and any other pertant details
    Be aware of when your baby is due for check-ups and be sure to take him/her to every
    check-up advised, including recommended visits to specialists
    Keep aware of what signs may show your baby is having health problems and who to
    contact if this occurs.
    Recieve all trainings on car seats, giving medicines and other special circumstances of your

    Additonal resources available to parents are CPR class, Discharge Teaching Class which are both required for the baby to be discharged from the
    NICU. The NICU also provides a parent mailbox which is located outside the
    entrance of the NICU as well as a calendar where parent support classes and
    activilties are l isted weekly.

    babys care
    Never be afraid to ask questions, your healthcare team is trained to take you through your
    entire journey at the NICU.

    Eventually, looking back...


    Your NICU journey will contain ups and downs, joyous and
    difficult moments. Evenutally when you are able to look back
    on this time, youll see that you prevailed and even grew. Some
    day, you may find yourself wanting to share your unique and
    amazing story with other parents. Or, you may choose to put
    your NICU days behind you and move on in other ways. Whatever your babys outcome, we hope you will be able to look
    back at your time in the NICU awtih pride and strength.

    NICU Toolbox
    For Parents

    March of Dimes
    670 East 3900 South, Suite 1-105
    Salt Lake City, UT, 84107

    Phone : (801) 327-9464


    Fax : (801) 212-3158
    Email : [email protected]

    TAWNA BURTON

    Family Support Specialist

    OFFICE HOURS ARE MON - FRI 09.00 AM - 5.00 PM

    TEL- 020-345-6780
    CONTACT NUMBER FOR CALLS OUTSIDE OF THESE TIMES ARE

    020-345-6780 OR 020-345-6780

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