A NICU visit

Last Monday, March 7, was our last Birth and Beginnings class.

The last night was a wrap-up session and a chance to tour the nursery at the hospital. After the tour, the couples were dismissed except for two - us and another couple. We were invited to tour the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Both couples, because of their babies, have the possibility of a baby (or babies) going to NICU. We were given the tour in order to help prepare us for what it's like.

At first, it's alarming to walk in and see all the tiny babies in the incubators. The babies are so small and they have so many things connected to them - oxygen, IVs, monitors...

We saw babies that were just a few weeks premature to one that was born at 24 weeks. It weighed only 1 pound and 4 ounces. Even though it was born that early, it had gained weight and was making improvements.

It's scary to think about a baby having to be in there, but it makes you more comfortable having visited and to see how well the babies are cared for in the NICU.

If you are interested, here are some links about NICUs.
Procedures and Equipment in NICU
Common Diagnoses in the NICU