The social workers, nurses, and doctors and therapists are all here to help you in every possible way. You can learn when and how to touch your baby. For those times when an infant might be too unstable to be handled it is important to remember that babies love to have their parents speak to them. Parents play a special role in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Firstly, they are the prime source of love and tender care for their babies in the midst of a highly technical and alarm filled world.
Parents are also a wonderful source of comfort to other parents.
You may like to participate in one of the parents groups led by trained social workers and held in the conference room on 12N. Multiple topics are discussed at these meetings including baby care, feeding issues, discharge planning and development care. While every family has their unique issues, it can be helpful to realize that other parents have been through similar circumstances and sharing feelings and experiences can help one through a difficult time. It is remarkable how many parents stay in touch with each other for weeks and months after their children have left the hospital. Over five-hundred people usually come and it is a memorable party for all those who attend. It is a day for meeting old friends, taking pictures, enjoying various child activities, and marveling at the antics of children who were once so sick.