Getting Through The Nicu Experience: Tips from a Twin Mom
Hey My Loves,
Getting Through The Nicu Experience: Tips from Twin Mom
Everyday I knew there was a pretty good chance of my twin girls spending time in the NICU. Regardless of the chances I prayed everyday that my girls would come home with me the day of discharge.
Sadly, you win some and you lose some.
My Labor and delivery was magical and everything I could ever want out of the experience. If you haven’t read my Twin Labor and Delivery Story you can read it here : https://www.takenbyfaith.com/faith/twin-delivery-story-trusting-god
I got the labor and delivery experience I dreamed of but my girls ended up needing 15 days in the NICU.
Leaving the hospital without them felt so awfully wrong and I could not fight the hurt and tears for days on end.
What I’ve learned is that, feeling this was is absolutely okay because it is hard and it isn’t normal to leave your babies behind.
As hard as the NICU experience was there were things that kept me sane and pushing through that I wanted to share with you mamas.
Trust in God
He knows what he’s doing and opportunities like this reveal our faith and dependency on God.
He made their labor and delivery magical for me. He turned my fears into joy! He brought my husband and I closer together through this experience. Everyday we prayed for our faith to be strengthened in him and for his strength and comfort to surround our girls. We prayed for our girls but we also prayed for each other and gave each other grace to feel the feelings we had and then bring ourselves back to the present moment where God is and that is what got us through.
2. Visit & Check In Often
We drove 40 minutes to and from the hospital to be with our babies everyday. I couldn’t go a day without being with them for at least one feeding. So, try to visit as often as possible and fill yourself up with all the baby love. It was not always easy going there especially with a toddler but God made it work. If you can’t visit or you’re just missing your baby or babies then call the NICU and ask for an update! It helps, trust me. Oh! Also take lots and lots of pictures and videos.
3. Stay Informed
Very Important! Know what is going on with your baby/babies. Know their current health status. Make sure you’re getting updates from the providers everyday. Know the goals that are set for your baby. Keep track of every milestone and celebrate it! Every milestone that’s met is a win but also remember that if things go backwards a little, it’s okay, trust God and the process.
4 Gratitude
You have been through so much and you’re a lot further than you once were and so is your baby. Find things that are positive and rest in them.
I am Grateful for :
My husband being home and supportive
Supportive family to watch our toddler
Another day to see my girls
Grateful that my girls are doing so well and that their providers are amazing
My Toddler being home to love on and keep us busy
Grateful for my health and recovery going so well
Etc.
There are many things to be grateful for you just have to be willing to pay attention to it.
5. Take care of yourself
Try not to forget the fact that your body just went through a traumatic experience and you need healing. Your babies need a healthy mama, mentally and physically. Trusting God, seeking him daily, and practicing gratitude is going to heal your mentality so that your body can heal. Nobody wants to go home without their babies but in the NICU they’re in the best care and regardless of how hard it is, you still have to go home without them . So during that time you might as well take that time to rest and heal so when your baby is home it will be that much better and easier taking care of them. Do what makes you feel good and get lots of rest.
The NICU is no easy experience but it WILL come to an end and your baby will be home with you. You got this mama! You’re not alone!