Nicu mom's, advice needed!

Littlemama01 · September 2013

Hey Ladies!

A Colleague/friend of mine had her baby about 6-7 weeks early, on Aug 30. She had an emergency C. Baby and momma are doing fine, but Baby will be in the NICU for about another 3-4 weeks (6-7 weeks total). To this point she hadn't really been asking for visitors etc, but now I think she's getting really tired and lonely at the hospital and has mentioned we can go and visit at the hospital. (she's just commuting back and forth every day and her Hubby is as well before and after work) So I wanted to go visit and bring a care package with me.

I know the baby is recieving the best possible care, but I wanted to try and bring things that would be useful for her - so my question is, if you know someone who had a preemie and was in/out of hospital every day, recovering from C-Section, what sort of things would you think they might need that they might not have time to stop by a store and buy??

I was originially thinking of bringing meals, but I don't know how logical that is because she's not going to be at home to put them in the freezer right away, so I'm at a bit of a loss.

I'll also bring a gift for baby of course, but I wanted to do something for her too..

You ladies are going through it, so what I would love to know is what is the most helpful thing a visitor can bring/do for you?? Thanks!

ashleymarie512 · September 2013

I agree, gift cards for restaurants would be nice. We're there all evening and if we don't eat hospital food we end up eating out bc by the time we get home were too tired to cook. We've eaten out a LOT in the last six weeks. Freezer meals have been nice as well for when we do go home. Lastly, gas cards are helpful for all the driving back and forth and the extra miles being used.

Regardless of what you get her, I'm sure she'll just appreciate the thought. I was absolutely floored by the amount of support people offered with or without a gift!

Throw3ks · September 2013

Agree with PPs.

carrotcake06 · September 2013

I don't know if it's possible, but we paid an arm and a leg everyday to park. I doubt they sell gift cards to parking garages, though.

DrRx · September 2013

Gas cards are also nice if they're commuting a lot, and it shows that you thought about how much they are driving. PPs have given some good ideas. Also, some balloons or a banner to decorate in the room/isolette might be nice. My sister brought us balloons and it was nice to have my daughter's room not just be a sterile NICU room.

efortune · September 2013

Dunkin Donuts/Starbucks gift cards! Pumping mamas are awake every 3 hours too.

Littlemama01 · September 2013

Thanks so much ladies, I am really excited to put something together for her. She's said she has to be there every 3 hours to breast feed, so I definitely think snacks, Starbucks gift cards and gas cards are great idea's. now I just have to decide how much I can spend!!! I can always do up some meals when they get to go home, I'm working on freezer meals for myself anyway since I am due Nov 11.