NICU Tour + Questions

luvpinsanity

My son was in the NICU for 2 weeks, and so I know at least some of what parents go through, and all the questions they have... and how hard it is to be thrown into the NICU and to watch your DC fighting for their life.

I am having a NICU tour on Thursday, which took a LOT of explaining to the Nurse to explain why I need it. (It was quite a funny conversation... ) Needless to say, she cleared the way for us to see the NICU ahead of time, and meet with the neonatologist on-call that night.

I'm trying to write down a list of questions to ask either the Dr. or the Nurse who gives us the tour. But it's really hard to sit down and think about it. 

If you could go back, what questions would you ask?  

I understand a LOT of the questions you could ask would be related specifically to your child, but at least some general questions to get an idea would be nice ... 

witt0198

A big one for me was just the general rules. Visitors allowed? any age restrictions? Visiting hours? Phone number to call and check on baby. Do you use specific containers for BM? How would you like it labeled/stored? Do you have unit clothing/blankets, or will I be providing it for LO? Is there a family lounge? Does it have a refridgerator, and can we use it to store food in? Microwave? Is there a pumping room, and where is it?

Any other questions specific to LO I wouldn't know what you'd want to ask. I guess it depends on  your situation and what's going on. I guess one might be some general questions on what might be expected....when you could see/hold LO. I knew I couldn't for awhile, but didn't know it would be as long as 3.5 weeks.

KellyMichelle

The pp had great suggestions.  The only ones I can think to add are: can you have primary nurses (nurses that you choose to be assigned to your baby when they work), Is there a support group that you can attend.

preheatedoven

I would also ask if they can arrange a room at the hospital for you if your LO needs to stay after you've been discharged. We live close to our hospital, so it wasn't an issue, but ours offer rooms free of charge to allow one parent to be close.