Supporting NICU Parents

As a neonatal ICU nurse, I have seen my fair share of parents whose lives have been disrupted by an unexpected admission into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). NICU admissions can occur for multiple reasons, the most commons being prematurity, respiratory complications, low blood sugar and infection. Assisting parents during this difficult time can be emotionally challenging as a healthcare professional.
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For Preemies and Their Families

As all of us bloggers unite throughout the land, it makes me think how very different each of our lives are, yet how we all have something special in common: we’ve come here today to help those babies who can’t help themselves. In my previous post, Prematurity Awareness Month, I highlighted prematurity and how we can all help the March of Dimes fight for preemies. Today, I write for preemies; not for just one baby, but for the thousands that I have cared for in the past decade, for their families and for all preemies around the world.

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Prematurity Awareness Month

The delivery of a premature infant (<37 weeks gestation) and the often emotional roller coaster ride that parents ensue during their child’s hospitalization is very difficult for all involved. Extended hospitalization of a preemie can cause family and marital strains, financial burdens, and emotional distress. And for some families, these hardships continue well after their baby (babies) has come home from the hospital. Preemies are at higher risk for developmental delays, respiratory issues, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy and feeding difficulties. Some premature infants remain in the NICU for many, many months while others lose their battle. Read More...

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