“Congratulations! Your baby is beautiful!” “How are you holding up, and what can I do to help you out?” (Though sometimes a specific offer of help is best because it doesn’t require the parent to think of something for you to do) “It’s okay to feel however you feel, and I’m here to listen whenever you need me.”

How do you comfort a NICU baby?

10 ways to support a friend with a baby in the NICU

  1. Bring food, food and more food.
  2. Offer a ride.
  3. Make a care package.
  4. It takes a village.
  5. Help out at home.
  6. Celebrate the baby.
  7. Offer emotional support.
  8. Keep up the momentum.

What should you not say to a NICU mother?

5 Things Never To Say To Parents Of Preemies (And What To Say…

  • “She’s so teeny!” “It can be jarring to see a very tiny baby hooked up to medical equipment for the first time,” said Carr, whose own daughter had a stay in the NICU.
  • ”
  • “Babies need to be exposed to germs.”
  • ”
  • “Thank God that’s over!”

How can I help my friend with a child in the hospital?

Ideas for supporting a family whose child is in the hospital:

  1. Reassure them that they are good parents.
  2. Offer to watch the other kids.
  3. Take the other kids to do something fun.
  4. Bring meals.
  5. Give money.
  6. Offer to be the contact person.
  7. Be a shoulder.
  8. Don’t shut them out.

What is a NICU octopus?

Inside neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) incubators at one United Kingdom hospital, premature babies have an unlikely companion – colorful, crocheted octopi. These cuddly toys are used as a form of therapy to help comfort and calm premature babies, according to officials at Poole Hospital.

What percentage of babies end up in NICU?

Which babies need care in the NICU? Few parents expect it, but between 10 and 15 percent of all babies born in the United States require special care in the NICU. NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It is a special unit for preterm babies which are born very early or very ill.

What do you do when a friend has a premature baby?

Here’s how you can help.

  1. Celebrate as you normally would when a baby is born.
  2. Offer practical help.
  3. Support parents in whatever way they need.
  4. Stay in touch with parents.
  5. Say positive things about the baby.
  6. Don’t expect to cuddle the baby.
  7. Listen to parents.
  8. Keep offering help after the baby comes home.

How can a mother help a baby in the NICU?

When a friend’s baby is in the NICU: 10 Things You Can Do to Help

  1. Reach out, but don’t expect a reply. Let the new mom know you’re thinking of her and her family.
  2. Say Congratulations.
  3. Give Preemie Parents time to Grieve.
  4. Offer Rides to the Hospital.
  5. Provide Meals.
  6. Give Coins.
  7. Give a Journal.
  8. Help with Chores and Pets.

What do you say when having a baby at the hospital?

What to say and do:

  • “That must be so hard for you,” or a variation. Nothing you can say will make it better, so don’t try.
  • Learn to listen.
  • Offer to look after things around your friend’s house.
  • Offer food.
  • Offer to be a point person.
  • Send a gift.
  • Ask to see pictures.
  • Donate blood.

What to say to someone whose child is in the hospital?

Words of Encouragement or Messages for a Sick Child

  • I’m sorry you are going through this tough time. Everyone values honesty.
  • I think about you all the time.
  • I’m praying for you.
  • You’re so strong to go through all this.
  • You have a great team of people behind you!
  • I love you!
  • I’m going to bring you a _____.

Can NICU babies have stuffed animals?

Check with your NICU, but often parents can bring items such as: Baby blankets (for a personal touch to remind them of home) Stuffed animals (to place near the bedside, not in bed with baby) Items of spiritual significance, such as prayer cards or rosary beads (again, to place near the bedside, not in bed with baby)