As a NICU nurse, parents instill their trust in me to keep their little ones safe and alive. ME! Someone they don’t know from Adam. Someone they’re probably meeting for the very first time at their baby’s bedside. It’s both an honor and a huge responsibility.
Parents do not intentionally sign up for this, nor did they ever imagine in their wildest dreams that they would end up here. The majority of NICU mamas feel robbed of their pregnancy & gypped of the “normal” experience. They experience a mix of emotions… sometimes all at the same time. They feel anger, guilt, sadness, fear, even grief. They feel guilty for not being able to come visit their baby as much as they would like due to other personal obligations. Many parents have other kids at home, a job, transportation issues, housing problems, or financial hardships. A mother’s body may be in excruciating pain from the traumatic birth. She’s probably suffering the “loss” of her baby, who was whisked away to the NICU and taken from her arms.
Most mamas are attached to breast pumps; they pack their milk in a plastic baggy and slap a hospital label on it. Some mother’s don’t get to experience a baby shower or make that cute Pinterest-inspired pregnancy announcement. Sometimes NICU parents leave the hospital without a baby to take home. Parents may not have had the opportunity or chance to take maternity photos, or even begin to set up the nursery.
However, the majority of NICU parents also say that their NICU experience made them stronger not only as individuals but also as a couple & FAMILY. It brings parents together in ways that one couldn’t possibly fathom. I always say that my NICU babies are my heroes, but let’s not forget the PARENTS. You guys are true heroes! Always remember: Your feelings are totally valid and DO NOT have an expiration date!