Spit-up On My Shoulder

A big fear during my pregnancies was that my baby would not be able to leave the hospital with me. It’s one of the most stressful experiences a new mother can have. Jennifer, a woman profiled in my book, describes it this way: “I literally felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest.”

I hope beyond hope that it never happens to you, but it’s smart to be prepared. The following are some questions you might want to ask the hospital staff. Bring the list with you to the hospital just in case.

•How long will my baby be in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)?
•What exactly is the problem?
•What treatments and medicines will my baby need?
•May I breastfeed my baby?
•What will be the baby’s eating schedule?
•What can I do to help my baby?
•What am I allowed to bring into the NICU?
•Is it okay to hold or touch my baby?
•For how long and how often can I visit my baby?
•May I sleep in the NICU?
•How can I continue to provide care when I take my baby home?
•Is there a support group for parents with babies in the NICU?
•Is there temporary housing available (like Ronald McDonald House)?
•If so, how do we make arrangements, and do we have to pay for the housing?
•Can we eat in the NICU?
•How do we get food?

You also might want to set up your own page for free at CarePages to save you the phone calls and stress of keeping everyone up to date on your baby’s condition.