I've been there, twice, times in the NICU are tough. If you know someone that is going through this and you are looking for a way to help then read on!

Let's start with the birth. When you have a preemie or a medically fragile baby they are taken from the mom when they are born or when a problem is noticed. This is not how the mom and dad have imagined this moment to be. When a mom goes through labor it is considered a trauma on the body. Usually your hormones and mindset are distracted once you do skin to skin with your baby. Most NICU moms do no get this. Understand that PTSD with a NICU parent is a REAL THING. 

UNDERSTANDING PTSD WITH A NICU PARENT

I am speaking from personal experience. Every time I had to walk by Labor and Delivery, the OB ER I just start reliving everything that happened. This happened immediately after giving birth. Even now that my babies are grown and doing good I still get flashbacks when I go to the hospital.
Ways to help a PTSD Parent:
• Understand that it can be hard to walk by specific locations- ER, Labor & Delivery, NICU
• When walking by these areas take their hand, a little sign that you understand what they are going through.
• Remind them that their baby is doing good and everything is okay. (if that is the case)
• Let them cry. Let them feel okay about crying. 
• Skin to Skin contact with their baby helps neutralize those crazy after-birth hormones
• Have them, or you, talk to their OBGYN. Sometimes talking to a professional and getting medication is what they need.

 

 

It is hard to write this as it is still fresh in my mind and we are still going through it. When we first found out Harrison's diagnosis we started Googleing. I found a lot of articles and blogs about leukemia signs but nothing really telling us how it was going to be.

Today I am sharing my preemie son's birth story. It was traumatic for me. Something I will never forget...

I created Green Eggs using white chocolate and M&Ms. Here is the tutorial on how to create this or any other shape using white chocolate!

Baby shower ideas for a Dr. Seuss Theme featuring a custom invitation, activities, food signs, banners and free downloads. Perfect ideas for planing a baby shower