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Becoming Informed
The more you know about your baby’s medical condition and care, the more you can look out for his best interests and be his advocate. And the more you know, the more you can be his caregiver and collaborate with his medical team.
Asking Questions
It’s normal to have many questions about your baby’s medical condition and what the future may hold. You may want a lot of information right away, or you may need more time before you can hear the answers. You may have to ask some questions more than once because the answers can be too much to take in all at one time. Sometimes there are no definite answers to your questions, but learning what is known can help relieve some of the uncertainty.
To get information at a comfortable pace, write down your questions as you think of them and seek answers when you’re ready. Ask your baby’s doctors for written information, and take notes so you can review and remember their answers. You can also invite a trusted family member or friend to join you if you want another pair of ears to hear important information.
Questions to Ask
How is my baby doing today?
Has anything changed?
What caused this condition?
How will this equipment or medication help my baby?
What types of tests are being given to my baby and what information will they provide?
Who is in charge of my baby’s medical care?
Who should I call if I have questions about my baby’s condition?
How will I be informed of any major change in my baby’s condition?
Are there any things I should expect during the hospitalization or after discharge that are caused by my baby’s condition?
Can I hold my baby?
Can other family members visit my baby?
What can I do to take care of my baby?Becoming a Member of Your Baby’s Medical Team
From the start, form a good working relationship with the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff. As you get to know your baby’s doctors and nurses, you will feel more comfortable approaching them with questions or suggestions. Your observations and concerns about your baby are very important, and you should voice them with your baby’s doctors and nurses. Ask them to keep you informed about your baby’s medical condition. When there are choices about your baby’s care, you should be included in making those important decisions. After all, you and your baby’s medical caregivers are a team, and you all share the same goal: the best care for your baby.
Preparing for Uncertainty
Sometimes you may feel anxious about what you learn, but it can be even more frightening when you don’t know what’s going on or what to expect. Uncertainty is a common part of the NICU experience. But as you learn more about your baby’s condition and treatments, you'll feel more in control of the situation. The more you know, the more involved you can be and the more you can advocate for your baby.
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March of Dimes Share. An online community serving NICU families. Share your story and meet other NICU families. |
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Information specialists at the March of Dimes help answer your questions by e-mail and online chat. |
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