Parent support

[kitty29]

Do any of your units have a regular support meeting for your families while their babys are in the NICU? Like a monthly or so offering?

Tonight one of the parents asked me. And long ago we had a system in which a family now discharged if they wanted to would offer as a support system to a long term pt/family if their situations were simular. But we quit doing it, I'm not sure why.

Some of the parents do get to know each other and go for walks & lunch together. In on recent situation one of the parent's in this group lost their baby. When the Mom who still had a baby here wanted their address...well I guess we couldn't give it out. They did get it eventually from another source. But I found that sad.

We have parents do an eval. when they leave, and I did tell this family to mention the need for a support group on their eval. thinking if they said something it would be more effective or carry more weight.

Let me know what you all are doing, and how you got it started if you are doing something. We only have a bereavement support group....but nothing for the general NICU population.

[mom2alyssa]

I am fairly new to the board....have posted once about how it would be to work in the NICU if you've had a preemie before (I've been an RN for 6 years and thinking about transferring to NICU), but I didn't get much response. So if any of you get a chance, please read my post and give me your thoughts if you have any.

Now, with that said, on to my reply to this subject.

We have a wonderful group in our area call the Family Support Network (FSN)--may be nationwide? They match parents with others that have been through similar situations. NOt just dealing with preemies, but all pediatrics. I volunteer as a parent support person. I have become great friends with one of the women I was assigned to. We have been friends for about a year now and it's so great to have someone to talk to that know what your're going through. Our children are about 7 months apart and we just clicked. Even though I have the older preemie-she has been more of a support to me than she realizes.

While my dd was in the nicu, the FSN offered scrapbooking, etc once a week for parents to get together. But it wasn't very convinent for me. I wish they offered varying times. But an in hospital support group just to talk would have been wonderful. Our worlds are turned topsy turvy and the stress of wondering if your precious baby will live or die, be normal or have disabilities is tremendous. To have others to talk with on a weekly basis would have been great. I think monthly is not enough.

Nicu RNs--please be supportive of your parents and be there for them. I know they (we) can be aggravating at times--as I know my adult patients can be too!!--but just try to put yourselves in their shoes. Some of my favorite nurses were my favorite simply because they cared for not only my baby, but for me and my family. I don't remember what technical things they did, who was the first to trial Alyssa off the vent (well I do remember that one!) or how many times they had to stick her for an IV, but I do remember the hugs, conversation, encouragement, and love. I hope someday to be able to give all this back.

Renee mom to Alyssa former 26 wkr 580g now 22 mo old and healthy!