5 ways I became a better labor & delivery nurse by being a NICU mama

I am confident when I say that nobody expects the honor of being a NICU mama—myself included. Here are a few ways I became a better labor and delivery nurse after becoming a NICU mama.

I don’t just sympathize—I empathize 

I know that you never thought you would be in this situation, mama. Truth be told, neither did I. While I feel for you on a nurse-to-patient level, I also feel for you so deeply as a fellow NICU mama. I am here to take care of you both physically and sometimes more importantly, mentally. I will be gentle with you and reassure you that the very NICU my baby boy was in will take incredible care of your sweet baby.

I know how important it is to you to breastfeed

As a NICU mama, it’s often difficult to initiate breastfeeding since your baby is not rooming with you. I will ensure that you have a breast pump and fully understand how to use it, how to clean the parts and how to store your milk. I will dedicate my time to educating you on hand expression and oftentimes (with your consent) expressing your breasts by hand myself—because I know how important it is to you for your NICU baby to have your liquid gold.

I will get my hands on any of your baby’s items while you’re in my care

While you’re still under my care after your delivery and feel far away from your baby, I will do everything to change that. I will go to the NICU and take a blanket that your baby has laid on. I will ask the NICU nurse if we can exchange their hat so that you can have the one with their scent. I will leave them a sweet note from you for their nurse to read. You may not be physically close to your baby but I will do everything in my power for you to feel close to them.

You don’t have to ask me to go to the NICU to take pictures

After I establish that you are safe and medically stable, I will ask if I can go to the NICU to take pictures for you. If you don’t have a phone or it’s not charged, I am happy to take pictures on my phone and send them to you. Having pictures of your NICU baby is so important and special, and I don’t want you to miss out on anything.

We are NICU warriors together

Although I am your nurse and responsible for ensuring your safety and recovery, I want you to know that I am here for you more closely than you know. Not everyone wears the honor of being a NICU mama. We have a special connection that enhances our time together. 

I am so proud to care for you, NICU mama. Most importantly, I want you to know that I am proud of you. You are strong. You are a warrior. You will get through this. There is something extra special to be said about NICU babies—and their mamas.