How to love your favorite NICU family when they come home!
While it is an extremely joyful time when a NICU family comes home, it also comes with it’s own unique challenges. For the length of their NICU stay they have been surrounded by teams of nurses and medical professionals, the humming of monitors, and have settled into their new normal of “hospital life.” And while the family is overjoyed to find their new normal outside of hospital walls, it can be a lot to process as they heal from trauma and begin to process through their NICU journey. The fight or flight response doesn’t turn off as soon as a family comes home, and support and extra care from loved ones is essential to a smooth transition home.
We wanted to share some simple ideas on how you can love your favorite NICU family once they are discharged, in hopes that a newly discharged NICU family finds the support and care that they need as they bring their sweet baby home!
FOOD
Meal Gift Cards
Grocery Gift Cards (Especially for grocery stores that have already made meals like Whole Foods)
GrubHub Gift Cards
Meal Trains
Drop off meals without expecting to come inside the home
“When we got home, we couldn’t afford to not have my husband work. So my friends all took turn helping take care of my son and I. They did so much from light housework, cooking, caring for my son, holding my hands during wound vac changes, listening to me talk about and process my experience and helping me piece things together.”
FAMILY + FRIENDS
Clean their home before they are discharged
Offer to take the night shift so parents can sleep
Intentional time together
Avoid visits if you are feeling sick or have been near others who have been sick
“Instead of asking how the kids are- ask how mom and dad are! It helped most when people did something specific instead of, “Let me know if you need anything!” Bring over coffee, food, a hand to hold a baby, just some company, or call me so I have someone to talk to. It got super lonely stuck inside and you just felt alone.”
FAMILY + FRIENDS
Check in often - on both baby AND parents!
Throw a virtual baby shower for any last minute baby needs
Avoid asking when you can come meet the baby. Parents will invite you when they are ready!
“My mom came over to cook and just hold her while we did things around the house and I appreciated it so much! My sister and beat friend also came over to just hang out with me because I’m so lonely all the time! Someone to talk to that isn’t a baby during isolation is the best gift for me!”
