Due to our baby’s intrauterine growth restriction, doctor’s were able to accurately predict two things: 1. Our baby would be born early and 2. Our baby would stay in the NICU after birth. We didn’t know how long that stay would be, but I surprisingly think knowing about it early was a blessing in disguise. I know it may sound crazy to count it as a blessing, but it really helped my husband and I mentally prepare for the unknown.

Each day while pregnant I would pray that our baby’s NICU stay would not be long. I would read stories of parents with small babies having 60 day stays or even 100+ day stays and I knew we’d have to endure the stay whether a few days or many. We made it to 32 days, which really proved God was listening.

Now let me insert this disclaimer here so you don’t think I’m crazy. No matter how mentally prepared you are, there are still really tough emotions, thoughts and feelings that you go through while your baby is away from you. There are also things that occur regarding your baby’s health that may scare you or that are very serious. However, you deal with them knowing that God has placed your baby in the care of nurses and doctors that only want the best for him. SHOUT OUT TO CEDARS SINAI 🙂

Cedars is the very same hospital that I was born in, and placed in the very same NICU. It was also the hospital suggested by all of my doctors and I must agree with them in saying that the care is exceptional there.

Now let’s get down to it. If you’ve been reading my first few blogs, you’ll already know that I love lists. So in true K. Owens fashion, here’s a small list on how we prepared for and got through our NICU stay.

1. We prayed our socks off!

2. We discussed every detail with our doctors. Always ask questions, especially if the doctors are explaining things you don’t understand.

3. I joined online groups with families diagnosed with the same growth restriction, read stories and asked questions.

4. We told our family and friends. We didn’t suffer in silence because we needed prayer, love and support.

5. Friends sent food!!!! I can’t stress enough how helpful this was.

6. We made two visits a day, one per staffing shift. This allowed us to visit during each set of doctors rounds if needed, so we can discuss health and care for our little one. The NICU was open 24/7 to parents.

7. Store the NICU number. We could call at any time and speak to his nurse.

8. Comfortable clothes are your best friend. Don’t go dressed in jeans and too tight clothing. Sweats and yoga pants were my everyday go to. Besides, I was recovering from a c-section. I needed to wear comfy clothing.

9. We went out! My doctor told me that NICU time would be like having “free” babysitting. I would always laugh and brush it off until I realized she was right. I had to come to the realization that there’s only so much I could do at the hospital while being sleep deprived and worrisome. So outside of continually pumping breast milk and our daily visits we would sleep and have a date night every now and then. IT HELPED TREMENDOUSLY.

10. If the hospital does not automatically provide you with their resources, ASK. Cedars sent all the right people to us to help us get the baby’s documents, insurance and other important things together. I was so busy with everything going on, I really needed the help and direction. They connected me to resources I never knew I needed.

If you have personal questions, please feel free to reach out. I am happy to help and be a resource for mamas and papas in need.