Coping with the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): 18 tips

Making the NICU space your own

1. Make the space around your baby more personal
You can bring things from home, use people’s gifts, or put up photos of yourselves and your baby’s siblings to make the space around your baby different from that of other babies. But keep in mind that too much clutter can make caring for your baby difficult.

2. Create a private space
Sitting in the NICU, you’re usually facing outwards. That means everyone who goes by can see you. If you want some private time but also want to stay beside your baby, turn your chair around so that you face inwards. 

3. Celebrate special occasions
 Celebrating a special day can take your mind off your worries about your baby.

Visiting your baby in the NICU

4. Ask questions and keep informed
The NICU can be overwhelming. If there’s anything you’re unsure of, it’s OK to ask hospital staff to explain in words you understand. You can take notes to help you remember important details.

Building relationships with medical staff can make it easier for you to ask questions and stay up to date. You could choose to speak regularly with two or three medical staff about how your baby is going. Ward rounds can be a good time to do this.

5. Get involved with your baby’s routines
If you can, plan to be in the NICU when the staff do your baby’s ‘cares’. You can first learn and then gradually take over your baby’s care. For example, you can help wash your baby’s face, change nappies or reposition your baby.

By doing this, you become a part of your baby’s life. He’ll learn to recognise you, and you’ll learn how to handle your baby in the ways he likes best. This is a great way to gain confidence in caring for him.

6. Have friends and family visit to support you
Some, but not all, NICUs allow friends and extended family to visit. Most of all, these visitors  support you while you’re supporting your child.

It’s a good idea to have only one or two visitors at a time, because too many people can be overwhelming for you and your baby.

7. Keep a record of your baby’s development
It’s likely that you’ll forget many things about this time in your baby’s life – even though it might seem unforgettable now. You could take photos or videos, or keep a diary to help you remember.

Relaxing and unwinding in and out of the NICU

8. Go out of the hospital for short breaks
Spending long hours in the NICU can be boring and tiring. Share the care with your partner and take turns getting out of the hospital for a break. 

9. Find somewhere quiet to rest
 

10. Consider to write a journal
Writing a journal can give you a chance to express feelings, reflect on what’s happening. The journal might be for your eyes only, or you might plan to share it with others at some later stage.

11. Take a book to read
 

12. Do relaxation exercises
 

13. Allow yourself time for treats
 Going out with your partner, on your own or with friends is good for everyone.

Looking after yourself while your baby is in the NICU

14. Go easy on yourself
It’s OK to say that you can’t make it to a friend’s birthday party this year if you don’t feel up to it. If you look after yourself, you’ll be better able to better look after your baby.

15. Accept help from family and friends
Practical help from friends and family can free you up for these priorities. 

16. Talk to someone
Having a baby in NICU can be difficult and it’s normal to feel strong emotions like guilt, anger, shame and hopelessness. It’s good to acknowledge your emotions and talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. 

17. Eat well
Nutritious food will boost your energy levels.Use your hunger, thirst and fullness to guide what you eat and drink.

18. Accept that there’ll be ups and downs
Knowing and accepting that there will be good days and bad days will help you to not feel so shocked and worried when bad days happen.