Today is the start of Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness month 2024. this is a subject very close to my heart after my daughter needed to stay in Southampton. NICU after she was born so here are some things I’ve learned.
Finding yourself in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) or SCBU (Special Care Baby Unit) with your little one can be overwhelming. You’re navigating a world you never expected, with more machines, alarms, and medical jargon than you ever imagined (and as a medical professional myself do not be scared to ask them to put what they are saying in Laymans terms). But in the midst of all this, there are small things that can make a big difference in your daily life. These practical tips aren’t just helpful—they’re sanity savers. Here are some of the best advice from seasoned NICU parents to help you navigate this journey a little more smoothly.
1. Dress for the Occasion: Button-Up Shirts and Low-Cut Tops
Skin-to-skin contact, often called “kangaroo care,” is incredibly beneficial for your baby, helping to regulate their heartbeat, breathing, and temperature. For dads, a simple button-up shirt makes this bonding time easy and comfortable. You can slip your baby inside your shirt and hold them close, with minimal fuss. Moms, on the other hand, will find that low-cut tops are your best friend, making skin-to-skin and breastfeeding more accessible when the moment calls for it.  for me, I also found stretchy dresses and nursing tops and nursing dresses to be a godsend.
2. Stay Hydrated: Big Water Bottle
Hospitals are dry, and the stress of the situation can easily cause you to forget to drink enough water. A big water bottle that you can refill throughout the day ensures you stay hydrated, which is essential for your health—especially if you’re breastfeeding. Make it a habit to take sips regularly. Your body (and your baby) will thank you.
3. Keep Calm and Caffeinate: The Big Mug
Having a big mug that stays in the parent’s room for tea or coffee is a small comfort that can make a huge difference. Those little hospital cups just don’t cut it when you’re in for the long haul. Your mug becomes part of your routine, giving you a sense of normalcy amid the chaos.
4. Save Money: Bring Your Own Food
Hospital cafés are notoriously expensive, and the cost adds up fast when you’re eating there every day. Bringing your own food not only saves money but also ensures you have something healthy and satisfying to eat whenever you need it. You’ll appreciate not having to leave your baby’s side just to grab a bite.
5. Self-Care Essentials: Hand Cream, Moisturizer, and Lip Balm
Hospitals can be hard on your skin. The constant hand washing, dry air, and stress can leave your hands cracked and your lips chapped. A good hand cream, moisturizer, and lip balm are must-haves to keep you feeling comfortable and cared for.
6. Tune Out: Headphones
The constant beeping and alarms in the NICU can be incredibly stressful. A good pair of headphones allows you to listen to something calming, whether it’s your favorite podcast, soothing music, or even a meditation app. It’s a simple way to create a mental break and maintain some peace of mind.
7. Bring Your Own Entertainment: Books and Magazines
There’s a lot of waiting involved in the NICU—waiting for test results, waiting for doctors, waiting for your baby to wake up. Having a book or a magazine on hand gives you something to focus on during those quieter moments, helping to pass the time and keep your mind engaged.
8. Stay Connected: Chargers
Don’t forget to bring a charger for your phone or tablet. The last thing you want is to lose touch with the outside world or miss out on capturing a special moment because your device died. Keep a spare charger in your bag at all times.
9. Capture the Moments: Camera/Video Recorder
Even though the NICU might not seem like the place for a photo shoot, capturing moments of your baby’s progress is incredibly meaningful. A small camera or even just your smartphone allows you to document the journey and celebrate the milestones, no matter how small. These photos and videos will be priceless memories in the future.
10. Scent Squares: A Little Piece of Home
Scent squares are a wonderful way to stay connected with your baby when you’re not with them. Swap out the squares daily—one that stays with you, carrying your scent, and one that stays with your baby, carrying theirs. This simple exchange can be comforting for both of you, keeping that bond strong even when you’re apart.
11. Journal: Record the Journey
A journal is more than just a way to pass the time. It’s a space to document your thoughts, feelings, and your baby’s progress. Writing can be therapeutic, helping you process the emotions of this challenging time. Plus, it’s something you can look back on, reflecting on how far you’ve come.
12. Comfortable Layers: Oversized Cardigan
An oversized cardigan serves multiple purposes: it’s cozy, perfect for those long hours in the hospital, and makes skin-to-skin contact easy. You can quickly wrap it around your baby, creating a warm, secure environment without any fuss.
13. Meal Prep Magic: Save Time and Energy
When you finally get home after a long day at the hospital, the last thing you want to think about is cooking. Meal prep or batch cooking can be a lifesaver. Services like Gousto offer discounts for new customers, making it easier to have healthy meals ready to go. With 70% off your first box and 20% off subsequent boxes for two months, it’s an affordable way to ensure you’re eating well without added stress. Check out the offer here: [Gousto Discount](https://gousto.co.uk/raf?promo_code=RYAN43977092&utm_source=androidapp).
Final Thoughts
The NICU journey is a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs. Being a caregiver of someone in neonatal intensive care or special care baby unit is not a club that anyone wants to be in, but it is the most supportive group of parents you will ever meet.
The NICU journey is a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, but these tips can help you feel a little more prepared and a little less overwhelmed. Remember, you’re not alone—lean on the nurses, doctors, and other parents around you. They’ve been there, and they understand. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. This is a challenging time, and you’re doing an incredible job.
To hear my story about pregnancy leading up to the Birth and my time in kneath intensive care and special care baby unit here are the following links to my podcast.
My pregnancy journey and how the trauma inspired this podcast 
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6laDjt5qFLmJjMhXihdL0g?si=jLH29H3PRK-8PVBktDY7qA
What happened when our 20 weeks scan did not go to plan. https://open.spotify.com/episode/09j6Y8RTS4U7vAxQpxf1fM?si=uGp6gokWRUWBRdx71N9uaQ
NICU & SCBU life
References
1. March of Dimes, 2023. Kangaroo Care. [online] Available at: https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/caring-your-baby/kangaroo-care-skin-skin-care-your-baby [Accessed 1 September 2024]. 2. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), 2023. The NICU Experience. [online] Available at: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infant-care/conditioninfo/nicu [Accessed 1 September 2024]. 3. Cleveland Clinic, 2023. Why Staying Hydrated is Important. [online] Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-staying-hydrated-is-important/ [Accessed 1 September 2024]. 4. La Leche League International, 2023. Breastfeeding in the NICU. [online] Available at: https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/nicu/ [Accessed 1 September 2024]. 5. NHS, 2023. Best Way to Wash Your Hands. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/ [Accessed 1 September 2024]. 6. Headspace, 2023. Mindfulness for Parents. [online] Available at: https://www.headspace.com/parents [Accessed 1 September 2024]. 7. March of Dimes, 2023. NICU Family Support. [online] Available at: https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/parenting/nicu-family-support [Accessed 1 September 2024]. 8. Harvard Health, 2018. Meal Prep Can Be Key to Stress Reduction and Healthy Eating. [online] Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/meal-prep-can-be-key-to-stress-reduction-and-healthy-eating-2018101015114 [Accessed 1 September 2024].
The bad and your parenting journey 