NICU

I have such a heart for the parent with a child in the NICU. I’ve been there, done that and I KNOW how hard it is. Ezra was there for an intense two months, and now that we have been out the other side for a bit and processed our time there, I wanted to put together my top tips as a mom and nurse. 

Having a child in the NICU feels isolating. Not *that* many people have experienced it, and even fewer who are more naturally minded. As someone who tries to avoid medical interventions and medications as much as possible, the NICU is basically a worst nightmare situation. 

You are quickly thrown into worrying about your child’s life, trying to learn all the things you never thought you were going to need to know, recover from birth, balance marriage and other kids…it’s A LOT. 

I remember going to Instagram so many times searching different hashtags like #preemiesand #28weekers just to read other people’s stories, desperately wanting some encouragement for ours. Even as a nurse, I knew nothing about the NICU world I was just thrown into and reading what other people had to say, seeing their babies grow and thrive, knowing I wasn’t the only one helped SO much. 

This is a lengthy post because honestly I have so much to say about the NICU and our experience-and I still wasn’t nearly able to write everything I’d like to! 

Through our two months there, I learned a lot. Like a lot a lot. I compiled my best tips in hopes it encourages any other parents out there in the thick of a NICU stay. ❤️❤️ 

And just know, mama, it feels so long when you’re in it, but it does pass. With the Lord’s help you WILL get through. 

* I have a highlight with more info on HMF and Prolacta. Highly recommend looking into these more! Dr Jack Newman (International Breastfeeding Centre) has lots of info on this and is a good resource. Formula/HMF often sets preemies back and is known to cause IG issues. The Premature Baby Book by Dr. Sears is another good one!

**these are in no specific order!