Visiting the NICU Admission to the NICUHow we care for your baby Neonatal surgery Developmental care Parental involvement Coping and where to get help Family journeys Parental rights and responsibilities NICU jargon buster Frequently asked questions

Having a baby on the NICU can be overwhelming at first, but the first few days are the most important in the bonding process with your new baby. The staff on the NICU aim to support and encourage you, as new parents, to bond and interact with your new baby.

 

Bonding with any new baby is an important process, and is even more important whilst your baby is on the NICU but can be made especially difficult while you overcome lots of negative feelings surrounding your baby's admission to NICU. Add to these feelings the difficulty in finding yourself in a new, strange environment along with time pressures, lack of space and privacy and you may feel that bonding with your baby is impossible.

 

Initially you may want to just sit and watch your baby until you feel more comfortable with the environment, monitoring and size of your new baby. While you are sitting with your baby you can quietly sing or read to him or her. Even the most premature babies will be able to recognise your voice.

 

Once you feel more at ease you may want to touch your baby's hands or feet and gently place a hand on his/her head. Try to keep your hand still to avoid over-stimulation, a firm but gentle touch will reassure and comfort your baby. As you get to know your baby, you will recognise when he/she is unsettled, and what kind of touch helps to settle and calm.

 

During your baby's stay on NICU he/she may have to undergo many procedures by medical staff. Unfortunately some of these procedures may cause pain and, while nurses caring for your baby will help to reduce any pain or discomfort your baby may be experiencing, you can play a vital and unique part in comforting your baby during this difficult time. Speak to the nurse caring for your baby if you are able to be  present during certain procedures to assist in comforting your baby.

 

Once your baby is medically stable you will be able to hold him/her in your arms.The staff will be able to guide you as to when your baby will be ready for cuddles, and will help to get your baby out of the incubator when the time comes. The first time you cuddle your baby may not be as enjoyable as you hope, as you may find it difficult to relax. The staff will support you, and each time you have cuddles you will feel more relaxed as you begin to feel more confident in holding your baby. Feel free to read a story or talk to your baby at this time as he/she will recognise your voice as well as familiarising him/herself with your smell. A good way to settle your baby when out for cuddles, is to have skin to skin contact (known as kangaroo care). Your baby will be more stable, be able to regulate his/her temperature better and will settle more quickly in this way.

 

 

Within a short space of time you will know your baby much better than any of the doctors and nurses. You will be able to recognise and understand your baby's body language and personal, unique, signals. You may be the first to recognise if he/she is uncomfortable, settled, happy or becoming unwell, making you the perfect advocate and protector of your baby.

 

 

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