Would you say something?

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DH and I usually only make it to the NICU once a day, which I HATE, because we live about 40 minutes away and because we don't live near any family that can watch the girls. So every night at 7:15 the 4 of us get in the car and head up to the NICU for Justice's 8 o'clock hands on and feeding. We've been doing this for the past 2 weeks. Since we can only do the one visit, we time it so we can be there at a time when he'll be awake and we can change his diaper and do pretty much whatever else the nurse will allow. The past 2 nights we've gotten there at 10 till 8 and his nurse has already changed him, weighed him, bundled him up and closed his isolette and he's asleep. The only thing left for us to do is hold the syringe for his feeding. Since this has been our routine for the past 2 weeks it's not like the NICU staff isn't expecting us, (plus every afternoon when I get a report from his day nurse I tell her we will be in at 8) so I don't understand why the past 2 nights everything has been done early. This is the same nurse who was working on Monday when I did Kangaroo Care for the first time. Although, I kind of got the impression that if it hadn't been for the NNP, Kangaroo Care wouldn't have happened. The nurse isn't working tomorrow, but she's one of his regular care givers, so I know he'll have her again. Should I say something to the NNP?

We are trying to work out some child care for the girls so I can at least get to the NICU for a few hours a couple afternoons a week. I hate that we spend so little time with Justice.

TriciaJoy

When you told the nurse you'd be in at 8, did you say specifically "to do her cares" or something of that nature?

I'd definitely say "I'll be in at 8 and would like to _______." If they do it w/o you again, I'd go straight to the charge nurse and higher if necessary.

 

millbug

I said something when our DS was in the NICU.  Sometimes they change care times - can you say to her - I want to do these things and I thought they were scheduled at 8.  You've been doing  them before I get here.  What time are you doing them now - I need to know so we can plan accordingly.  Also call the NPP and try to get kangeroo care written into his chart - I did for that and nursing.  Then you can have evidence for PITA nurses.

SuwaneeGirl

Our NICU had a policy that you had to call before you came. This was to not only prepare the staff to save these tasks for you, but to also make sure there wasn't another admission when you wanted to come. Why don't you just call and let them know you are on the way, and to please not start anything until you come?

 

SBMBride406

We had the nurses put notes on Marino's crib that said "mom and dad come at 11:00am and 9:00pm to do my feedings and my cares. Please leave my care for them." I also would call at shift change and speak to your son's nurse and tell them when you are coming and what you expect. Totally reasonable - he's your son, you should do whatever care you want to do...

ijack

I would definitely say something!!! I said something once when they weighed E at a different time than they usually did because I loved being there for it and most nurses knew that.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned in the NICU (it took me a while, but I finally figured it out), is that I am the mom and ultimately I get to make the decisions regarding her care and that I shouldn't be afraid to speak up about my thoughts and wishes
GL!

pmkmp

I would gently bring it up. I know at our NICU they like us to tell them what we want to be involved in since every set of parents is different.  I'm sure they won't be offended and they will be happy to hear that you want to be more involved.

Mrs. Peterson 07/07/07

I would say something. We were lucky enough to stay with my parents who live 2 minutes from the hospital. I would still let the nurses know when I was going to be there. We had a problem with one nurse and went to the head nurse in tears. She was no longer in the same room as DS. It is your baby you should be able to do these things .

rmgandjas

i would definitely say something, but i would actually talk to his nurse 1st and give her a kind reminder of what your routine is.  if that doesn't work then i would go to the nnp.