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In Memory Matthew W. Fessler 08/1983-02/1984
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Gifts For NICU-Preemie Moms and Dads
Most moms and dads who are expecting, don't expect having a premature baby that may spend weeks, even months in the hospital before they can go home. Many parents may not have had the chance to even buy their baby things yet, or to have their baby shower.
Parents of the new baby, expect to rock their baby at home, not to be sitting in a NICU while their baby is in an isolette, being tube fed and possibly on life support. Often, the only thing a parent can do is to touch their baby, because holding the baby is too stressful for that tiny body. These gift ideas help mom and dad during this stressful time, create memories, allow them to act like normal parents, and to remove some of the stressors involved in being NICU parents. |
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Baby Books For NICU ParentsNICU Information Overload
Having a baby in the NICU, is a stressful situation. Preemie babies are "Special Babies." Parents experience information overload, when it comes to information about the NICU, the medical jargon that is used to explain how their baby is doing, should be doing, tests to be performed, results, and so much more that the list seems to be endless. There are books which can help the parents understand their preemie before and after they take the baby home. NICU Memories
NICU Parents Need To Create Memories and Write Their Babies NICU Story
 
 
 
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NICU Babies Need To Hear and See Mom and Dad
It is important for baby to hear mom and dad’s voice, as well as other members of the family. A small recorder can be used to tape voices, which can be played for the baby while mom and dad are not present. Eventually, the baby will see and recognize mom and dad’s face.
There are photo frames that not only hold a photo for baby to look at, but mom and dad can also record a message so that baby can look at their photo and hear their voices at the same time. Often the isolette is crowded, and nurses prefer a photo that can be taped to the side of the isolette. Help With Extra Expenses Of NICU Parents
There are numerous issues that surround mom and dad when they have a preemie, especially one that may spend several months in the hospital before coming home. Regardless of the distance, mom and dad live from the hospital, they will have extra expenses. There are some priceless NICU baby gifts which can be provided to help the parents in a difficult situation.
Travel Expenses : A gas card will always be welcomed Meals When mom and dad, spend hours at the hospital, day in and day out, they must eat. Hospital food, calling out for delivery, is expensive any way you look at it. Mom and dad must eat, and they must have fluids. Some hospitals allow the purchase of food vouchers for those who are facing financial hardships, or to give discounts to parents of sick children and babies in the NICU. Check with the hospital to see of you can purchase food vouchers for them. Maybe the hospital cafeteria or other sources for food and drink, will accept a Pre-paid Visa Card Of course, you can always place food and coffee cash inside of a card Hot Shower and Bed: When you are the parent of a NICU baby, hospitals don't give you an option for being able to sleep and take a shower. Unless they are connected to a Ronald McDonald House, or similar accommodations, parents are on their own, In my day, parents would sleep on a sofa, a chair, the floor, but those days are over. Most hospitals no longer allow parents to sleep, even nap in a chair that is not in the room of a patient. Maybe take up a collection to help with hotel expenses if they exist. Many hotels now request that you make your requests, pay for accommodations, online. You can call them to see if you can rent and pay for accommodations in person. Be sure to find out about cancellations, to avoid losing money if room is no longer needed. |
Final Thoughts-Invaluable Gift Ideas for NICU Family
Being the parent of a baby in the NICU is like being on a roller coaster that never stops. All they want is to feel like normal parents, act like normal parents, but they can't when they are NICU parents.
Outside of purchase gifts, or cash, there is so much people can do to lighten the burden for them.
⦁ Babysit other kids so they can go see their baby on the week-end. Some families have one car and at least one working parent.
⦁ Maybe provide transportation whenever you can for the parent who is at home, and can't get to the hospital until the other parent is home from work.
NICU Parents Are Tired: They run on adrenalin. They don't get restful sleep when they are able to sleep. There are things that people can do to help them so that they can sit and relax when at home.
⦁ Cook up some meals and freeze them, so that mom and dad will only have to put their dinners in the oven.
⦁ Offer to do the laundry or some household chores.
Outside of purchase gifts, or cash, there is so much people can do to lighten the burden for them.
⦁ Babysit other kids so they can go see their baby on the week-end. Some families have one car and at least one working parent.
⦁ Maybe provide transportation whenever you can for the parent who is at home, and can't get to the hospital until the other parent is home from work.
NICU Parents Are Tired: They run on adrenalin. They don't get restful sleep when they are able to sleep. There are things that people can do to help them so that they can sit and relax when at home.
⦁ Cook up some meals and freeze them, so that mom and dad will only have to put their dinners in the oven.
⦁ Offer to do the laundry or some household chores.