Introduction
Welcome to the Empowering NICU Parents’ Podcast where we’ve got your back as you navigate the rollercoaster ride of NICU life.
Are you wondering what you should throw in your bag each day you travel to the NICU? Don’t sweat it! We’re here to make sure you’re equipped for every twist and turn of your baby’s NICU journey. Drawing from her own experience of daily trips to the NICU for three months, Nicole provides you with the inside scoop on what you need to pack in your daily bag.
But wait, there’s more! We’re not just here to share tips; we’re giving away a fabulous bag from Petunia Picklebottom, stocked with essential items mentioned on the show. How do you win? Easy! Click Below!
And because we’re all about spreading the love, we’ve created an epic checklist of must-have NICU items!
Whether you’re a seasoned NICU pro or just starting out, this checklist is your ultimate companion. So, tune in, gear up, and let’s empower each other through the NICU journey!
Is your baby currently in the NICU? Was your baby born prematurely? Or is your term baby in the NICU for high jaundice levels, low blood sugars, or because they have some Respiratory Distress and need oxygen or additional support?
Are you wondering what in the heck is a small baby unit or kangaroo care? Why do NICUs use donor breast milk and what on earth does RDS, BPD, IVH, NEC, ETT, CPAP, HFNC, UVC, UAC, po, ng, NEC, ABG, CBG, CBC, and CMP stand for? Are you asking yourself how will we ever get through this, what questions should I even ask, and when will my baby come home?
If you are a NICU parent who is scared, nervous, unsure, and full of questions, then hit the subscribe button so you do not miss another show!
Welcome to the “Empowering NICU Parents Podcast” where we will answer ALL of these questions and SO MUCH more! Your host, Nicole Nyberg is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner with years of NICU experience – but she also brings her unique perspective to this podcast as a mother of a 23-weeker.
Along with sharing answers to the NICU medical questions you have, Nicole addresses and supports you through the incredibly difficult emotional struggles that only a NICU parent can understand.
She provides you with knowledge plus tangible tips to guide, educate, empower, and support you through your baby’s NICU journey and once they are home. Tune in to hear from someone who knows exactly what you’re going through, another NICU Mama.
Check out all of our show notes and additional information at empoweringnicuparents.com
To start 2024 out, our first episode focuses on marijuana use, its impact on pregnancy, the growing fetus and the child’s future development, as well as the implications of its use during breastfeeding.
Who would have thought that in 2024, we would be living in a time where marijuana use is so prominent and that it would be legal in 24 states as of January of 2024?!?
But, nonetheless, here we are! Because marijuana has been legalized in so many states, there are now false evolving perceptions on its general safety as well as its implications on the developing fetus and infant who are exposed to it either in utero or through breastmilk. In general, the perception of harm from marijuana is decreasing while the potency of marijuana is scarily increasing. Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug during pregnancy in the United States. And, its use in gaining speed amongst all adult age groups, in both sexes, and in pregnant women.
For our 56th episode, I reviewed the most up-to-date literature and will share the findings from several studies that reveal both short and long-term negative effects on the pregnant mother and developing fetus if used during pregnancy, and its future implications on the growing infant, child, and their transition into the teenage years, and as an adult after prenatal exposure. I will also point out the general concentration of marijuana in breast milk if used by a nursing mother, as well as how long it stays in the breast milk, and how it may impact the exposed infant.
This episode is packed full of useful information and will be ideal for any healthcare worker or for family members and friends who care about a pregnant woman or nursing mother who is currently using marijuana and want to ensure that she is fully educated on the implications of its use on her growing fetus or infant. And last, but actually, the most important, I encourage ALL women who are either considering becoming pregnant or who are currently pregnant and use marijuana on a regular basis, to listen.
Although marijuana use is so prevelant, it is so crucial that we fully understand its potential impact on the fetus and the child’s future development if used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
You will not want to miss this one!
Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com
Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/
NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/
NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/
Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/
Episode 56 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode56
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Episode Sponsors:
Dr. Brown’s Medical
Dr. Brown’s Medical strives to deliver valuable infant feeding products and programs to support parents and professionals in providing positive feeding experiences for the infants in their care. Traditional feeding products and practices in the NICU are inconsistent and can result in poor feeding outcomes.
Dr. Brown’s® unique Dr. Brown’s® Zero-Resistance™; nipples with reliable flow rates; and The Infant-Driven Feeding™ are evidence-based, standard-of-care practices that improve infant feeding outcomes.
The team at Dr. Brown’s Medical is available to provide support for you and your team to help achieve best practice results. They provide 4 free webinars every year on various infant feeding topics and offer continuing education hours for Nurses, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Language Pathologist.
To learn more or speak with the Dr. Brown’s Medical team, click HERE.
Our NICU Roadmap
Our NICU Roadmap is the only NICU journal parents will need. Our journal is a great resource for NICU parents with educational content, answers to many of their questions, a full glossary plus specific areas to document their baby’s progress each day while in the NICU. Our NICU Roadmap equips parents with questions to ask their baby’s care team each day as well as a designated place to keep track of their baby’s weight, lab values, respiratory settings, feedings, and the plan of care each day. Most importantly, Our NICU Roadmap guides parents and empowers them so they can confidently become and remain an active member of their baby’s care team.
Our NICU Roadmap is available for purchase on Amazon or contact us at empoweringnicuparents@yahoo.com to order in bulk at a discounted price for your hospital or organization.
Click HERE for additional information and images of Our NICU Roadmap.
Petunia Picklebottom
At Petunia Picklebottom, they delight in the small details and focus on the evolving needs and demands placed on parents by creating a fearless sense of style, function, quality and sophistication to everything they create. From bags, to backpacks, diaper bags, crossbodies, spacious totes, shoulder bags, all the way down to minimalist clutches and versatile accessories, you’ll be ready for any outing, from baby to beyond.
NICU Milestone Cards
Capture every incredible moment your baby achieves while in the NICU with these colorful milestone cards.
Each set includes 26 bright, colorful, and unique downloadable milestone cards with a dedicated space for you to write the date your infant achieved each milestone.
Grab a photo with your baby and each milestone card. The photographs will be a great keepsake and with the date in the photo, you will never forget when your baby achieved each milestone.
Daily Essentials For Your NICU Bag
Welcome to another empowering episode of the Empowering NICU Parents’ Podcast, your go-to source for support and guidance on your NICU journey. If you’re tuning in, chances are you or someone dear to you has a baby in the NICU. We understand the whirlwind of emotions you’re facing—from fear and anxiety to physical and mental exhaustion, compounded by the recovery from delivery and possibly other medical issues.
In the midst of all this, the last thing on your mind might be what to pack in your daily bag for your precious time with your baby in the NICU. And if you’re new to this experience, navigating what to bring can feel overwhelming.
But fear not! The NICU community is a tight-knit group of parents and caregivers who are here to support you every step of the way. You don’t have to go through this alone. That’s why we’re diving into the essentials you need to have in your bag each day.
Also, as previously mentioned, we are offering a Petunia Picklebottom bag filled with items that we cover on this episode. Want a chance to win? Simply go HERE for additional instructions! Good Luck!
So, without further ado, let’s jump into what you should have with you every day in the NICU.
Self Care
Let’s start with the essentials for oral and self-care because it’s important to prioritize your well-being.
Make sure to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash, especially if your baby’s NICU has private rooms. Even if not, a quick freshen-up after lunch can make a big difference.
Don’t forget to bring along a hairbrush and/or comb. Also, hair ties are essential, especially if you have long locks. They come in handy for pulling your hair back during kangaroo care or while you are feeding your baby.
Keep your favorite deodorant on hand for a quick refresh. I personally opt for safe, non-toxic options like those from Beautycounter or Primally Pure’s Blue Tansy deodorant. They are both available in travel sizes which will be great for your bag!
Lip balm is a must to combat the dryness that goes hand-in-hand with hospitals. As I mentioned, I always opt for safe, non-toxic choices, and I adore the affordably priced lip balm from Primally Pure. You might also want to try a tinted lip balm for a subtle pop of color—both Beautycounter and Ilia Beauty offer fantastic options. And for a luxurious treat, I can’t get enough of Bite Beauty’s Agave lip balm or mask.
Given all the hand washing and sanitizer use, a good hand cream is essential to keep your skin moisturized. When it comes to non-toxic choices, I’m a big fan of Honest’s hand cream. Their light scents are delightful. Alternatively, Beautycounter’s body butter is incredibly rich, absorbs quickly, and boasts a lovely fragrance.
If the NICU has shower facilities, don’t forget your personal toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, and face wash. And a touch of concealer, lipstick, and a dash of mascara can work wonders for a little pick-me-up. Stick with safe, effective body care and make-up products from brands like Beautycounter, Ilia Beauty, and Westman Atelier.
Taking care of yourself is key, and having these items at the ready can help make your NICU journey a bit smoother.
Day-to-Day Must-Haves
Extra chargers are a lifesaver—whether it’s for your cell phone, iPad, or laptop, or iwatch, having backups ensures you’re never caught with a low battery. Plus, longer cell phone chargers are a bonus! And do not forget your earbuds or headphones for listening to uplifting music or an audio book.
Maintaining a NICU journal is crucial for tracking your baby’s daily milestones and documenting your own thoughts, feelings, or questions you might have. Our NICU Journal, titled “Our NICU Roadmap,” encompasses these essential elements and more. It features dedicated sections for recording your baby’s progress, jotting down inquiries, and expressing your emotions. If you are unsure of what questions to ask, our journal provides a comprehensive guide to empower parents with the knowledge and questions necessary to actively participate in their baby’s care plan alongside the NICU team. Click below for further details on our journal.
Having your pumping or nursing supplies at hand is crucial for NICU parents. We strongly advocate pumping breast milk for your baby because it is so beneficial, and having your supplies readily available is key. While most NICUs have replacement parts for pumps, it’s best to be prepared. A pumping or nursing cover offers privacy while allowing you to pump at your baby’s bedside, which is essential for increasing milk supply.
Investing in a hands-free pumping bra, like the nursing + hands-free bra from Larken, is a game-changer. It’s comfortable enough to wear all day, allowing you to multitask so you can pump while reading or journaling. Don’t forget essentials like Lanolin cream or coconut oil for soothing soreness from pumping.
When it comes to pumping and breastfeeding, hydration is key! Staying well-hydrated is crucial for your health and to support your milk supply. While many NICUs have restrictions on food and drinks, water with a lid is usually allowed. Consider bringing an insulated cup with a lid to keep your water handy and stay hydrated throughout the day. Not only is it convenient, but it’s also more environmentally friendly than disposable styrofoam cups often found in hospitals.
Don’t forget to pack some healthy snacks for your daily visits! Opt for convenient options like granola bars, protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit, or fresh fruit to keep you energized throughout the day.
In addition, make sure to have your medications with you every day as you recover from your baby’s delivery. Whether it’s pain medication or other prescriptions, it’s crucial to stay pain-free and healthy so you can fully be there for your baby.
Non-Essentials but Nice to Have
It is likely that you have heard me emphasize the incredible benefits of kangaroo care or skin-to-skin care for both you and your baby. Research has consistently highlighted numerous advantages, including improved body temperature regulation and cardiorespiratory stability for your little one. It also reduces your baby’s stress, enhances their microbiome, and lowers their perception of pain. Plus, kangaroo care is linked to a reduced risk of infection, severe illness, and mortality.
For parents, it’s a stress-reliever, fosters bonding, and aids in maintaining a healthy milk supply. I could spend the entire episode diving into the wonders of kangaroo care, but I’ll spare you the repetition. Instead, I invite you to check out our Episode 55 where I discussed the benefits of kangaroo care. Additionally, Episode 15 offers valuable insights on addressing barriers to kangaroo care and tips for safely transferring your infant while doing kangaroo care.
To ensure you’re ready for skin-to-skin bonding with your baby each day, it’s essential to have a robe or comfortable button-down shirt on hand. After all, you want your precious moments captured in something other than a hospital gown. So, bring along a shirt in your favorite color and cherish those unforgettable moments with your little one.
When it comes to kangaroo care, I always made sure to have a blanket on hand. Whether it was to support my head, wrap around my shoulders, or keep me warm during those NICU days, having a blanket nearby is essential (although unlikely to fit in your bag).
Did you know that your baby’s sense of smell begins developing around 16 weeks gestation and is typically fully developed by 20 weeks? Even extremely premature infants have the ability to smell. Using scent cloths can be incredibly beneficial for both your baby and you as a parent.
As a mother, I found that using scent cloths provided a sense of connection and contribution during a time when I often felt helpless. Simply wear the cloth next to your skin for a day, then place it near or under your infant’s head. This allows your baby to smell your scent, particularly the mother’s scent, providing comfort and familiarity.
I made it a daily routine to swap out the flannel cloth under our son’s head with the one I had been wearing against my skin each morning.
Personally, I never found myself feeling “bored” during my time in the NICU. I was usually occupied with writing in our journal, pumping, making calls to insurance companies, or attending to various tasks. However, it’s always nice to have a book on hand, whether it’s a captivating fiction novel by Colleen Hoover or something educational. Or bring some magazines to peruse through.
If you enjoy card games, consider bringing along a deck for solitaire or to play a game of war with your significant other when they’re there with you. It’s a simple way to pass the time and add a bit of fun to while you are in the NICU.
Rosewater mist is an absolute favorite of mine! Its versatility knows no bounds. For centuries, people have cherished the skin-loving benefits of natural rosewater. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its exceptional hydration capabilities, rose water spray has become a staple in many daily skincare routines.
Whether you need a midday pick-me-up, a refreshing spritz post-workout, or a solution for skin that’s feeling a bit oily or in need of shine control, rosewater mist has got you covered and is a great addition to your bag. You can buy Rosewater mist online or even through Amazon!
There are many other items you may be able to leave at your baby’s bedside, especially if your NICU has private rooms, but we wanted to make sure and cover all of the essentials you should have in your bag each day.
Closing
In summary, navigating the NICU journey can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Prioritizing self-care and cherishing moments like kangaroo care can make a significant difference. While there are non-essentials, like books or rosewater mist, the key is to ensure you have what you need for each visit. Your journey may have challenges, but with the right support and preparation, you can navigate it with strength and resilience. Stay empowered, and remember, you’ve got this!
Let’s recap the essential items you should have in your bag each day as you head into the NICU:
1. Prioritize self-care with oral hygiene items, hair care essentials, deodorant, lip balm, hand cream, and personal toiletries.
2. Ensure you’re powered up with extra chargers and headphones for your devices.
3. Keep track of your baby’s progress and your own thoughts with a NICU journal.
4. Don’t forget your pumping or nursing supplies, hydration essentials, healthy snacks, and medications.
5. Facilitate skin-to-skin bonding with a comfortable robe or button-down shirt and a cozy blanket.
6. Enhance your connectedness with your baby with scent cloths carrying your scent.
7. Bring along entertainment like books or card games to pass the time.
8. Refresh and rejuvenate with rosewater mist, a versatile addition to your bag.
While some of the aforementioned items are non-essentials, the key is to ensure you have what you need each time you are in the NICU. Remember, you may also be able to leave some items at your baby’s bedside, but ensuring you have these essentials in your bag each day will help you navigate the NICU journey with strength and resilience. Continue to tune in to the Empowering NICU Parents’ Podcast for more empowering tips, support, and education – and remember, you’ve got this!
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