Many new moms tour the hospital. If you are expecting twins or triplets, a visit to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) should be part of your visit. Ask to personally meet the pediatrician in charge of the NICU. Walk around and become familiar with the transition levels within the NICU as the babies develop. Seeing a child with wires, monitors, bells and whistles can be quite scary for a new mom. Touring the NICU in advance should help you cope with one or more of your babies receiving NICU care.
According to a National Center of Health statistics 1997 report, a little over 90% of all Triplet births are born premature. Where do premature babies go? NICU. If you already have a Pediatrician (outside of the hospital) chosen, communicate with him or her so they know the hospital your OB/GYN prefers and your anticipated delivery date. Let the hospital know who your Pediatrician is so he/she can be updated on the babies development. Your selected Pediatrician will have scheduled hospital rounds to check on his or her patients.
The staff in the NICU encourages Moms (Dads too) to visit, hold, and bond with your children in the NICU. Many parents place photos of Mom and Dad in the incubator. Many parents call and ask the nurse to place the phone near the babies ear so they can talk to the baby. Most will do this, ask them when would be the best time to do this. You are responsible for your children. Don't be afraid to be with them and whisper "Mommy is here.... Daddy is here..." Infants are used to the sound of Mom and Dads voice. Begin to bond with them immediately.
Ask the Nurse when the babies are bathed. They usually will weigh them during the 'sponge bath'. You may bring in some small one snap t-shirts, socks, and hats. It would be a good idea to put their name on it in case they get mixed in with the hospital laundry. The NICU will provide the baby with preemie diapers while there, alcohol wipes for their belly buttons, some baby wash, and will use rolled up receiving blankets in their incubator. If it is your first pregnancy, helping the nurse can be very informative.
Make it a point to understand what care is being given to your children. How much, when last administered, what is it for... when was the last time Pediatrician visited your child. Does your baby cry often? Ask questions.
