Neonatal teams do all they can for...

Staying involved while baby is in NICU Nobody grows up knowing how to care for a premature baby, so getting involved with the child’s care in the NICU can be a daunting task. But it’s important. “NICUs can be very scary. There are a lot of monitors, there are a lot of cords, there’s a lot of equipment. So I always tell parents, be as present as you feel comfortable,” Dr. Ashley Pence, medical director, Pediatrics, UPMC in North Central Pa., said. Parents can join in their baby’s care by changing diapers, helping swaddle the baby, taking the baby’s temperature, and being present for procedures like having an IV started. “Make sure you’re asking questions,” Pence said. “Again, the NICU is scary. But being informed, doing your own research with appropriate sources, trying to be there each day when the medical team is making rounds …. These are all good ways to be involved in your baby’s care in a really stressful time.” Geisinger allows families to visit 24 hours a day, Ray Hayes, DO, neonatologist at Geisinger Medical Center, and assistant professor of Neonatology Pediatrics at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, said. He mentioned skin-to-skin, or kangaroo care, which either the mother or father can provide. “Connecting with the parent and their body warmth is vital,” he said. “We often see babies who are very sick who go on their mom or dad’s chest. Their vitals (heart rate, respiration) stabilize. It’s wonderful to see.” Breastfeeding, when possible, can give mothers time with their baby, while also providing nutrition for the baby, Dr. Michael Goodstein, neonatologist, director of Newborn Services for WellSpan Health, said. Unfortunately, many families cannot spend time at the NICU, whether because of work schedules, having to care for older children at home, distance to the hospital or other reasons. Hayes encourages them to be involved by reading to their little one, perhaps sending a recording by phone, and learning as much about their care as possible. “We really see families as part of the care team,” he said, “and being truly engaged in their hospital stay is immensely helpful.” — CINDY O. HERMAN