Commonly Asked Questions
The following are some commonly asked questions of parents whose baby is in the NICU. If you have additional questions, please ask any member of the NICU staff. We encourage you to take part in your baby’s care and understand his/her needs. This will help develop a bond between you and your child and ease the transition once your baby is home.
Q. When can I hold my baby?
A. This will depend on your baby’s condition. Once the baby is stable, we will let you hold him/her. We will try to do this as soon as possible. Please work with your nurse to find out when it is appropriate to hold your baby.
Q. When will my baby be able to nurse or bottle feed?
A. Again, this will depend on your baby. We will watch for feeding cues and will assess your baby’s ability to feed. When your baby is coordinated enough and vital signs remain stable, your baby will be allowed to eat. Until then, your baby’s nutritional needs will be provided by IV or feeding tube. If you are planning to breastfeed, please talk to the lactation consultant or your doctor about receiving a breast pump. Your colostrum and breast milk can be saved and fed to your baby through a tube until your baby is ready to breast feed directly.
Q. Why don’t the nurses always answer my baby’s alarms?
A. Alarms can signal many things including loose wires, crying, or a change in heart rate, respiratory rate or oxygen saturation. The nurse can determine how quickly to respond to the alarm by looking at the monitor. Please do not panic; the nurse will know
which alarms need immediate attention.
Q. May I take pictures of my baby?
A. Absolutely! We understand that other family members have been waiting for your baby’s arrival and want to see him/her. Many parents also like pictures for their baby books. We only ask that you refrain from photographing other babies in the NICU without permission from the baby’s parents.
Q. I noticed the head of my baby’s bed is usually elevated. Should I raise the head of the crib at home once my baby is discharged?
A. This is not necessary. It is often done in the NICU to help with baby’s breathing and digestion. Your neonatologist will let you know if you should continue this practice at home.
Q. I noticed at times my baby was placed on his/her stomach. I thought it was recommended that babies be put on their backs to sleep.
A. The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend that all infants be placed on their backs to sleep to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, we may at times put a small baby on his/her stomach to promote digestion and to
maximize exposure under phototherapy. Please remember that in the NICU your baby’s heart rate and breathing rate are monitored. At home, ALWAYS place your baby on his/her back when sleeping!
Q. What can I do for my baby?
A. Many parents often feel helpless, as though there is not much they can do for their baby while in the NICU. Here are some things you can do during your baby’s stay:
- Visit often. This will help establish a bond and a sense of trust between you and your baby.
- Talk softly or read to your baby. Your baby will be able to distinguish your voice from a stranger, and this can be soothing to your child.
- Touch your baby using a firm but gentle touch. Stroking and light touch can sometimes be more stressful to a small baby.
- “Nest” your baby using a constant, firm but gentle pressure by placing one hand on his/her head and one on the feet.
- Avoid sudden movements when handling your baby. This can startle and upset him/her.
- Allow your baby to hold your finger. This can be calming and can help establish a bond between you and your baby.
- Take part in diaper changes, bathing, and if possible, feedings. You will become more comfortable with your baby and he/she will learn to trust you to take care of his/her needs.
- Once your baby is moved to an open crib, bring in pictures of your family, clothes and special blankets for your baby, and any pictures your baby’s siblings made.
