Understanding NICU & Special Care: What Parents Need to Know

Have you got a NICU or Special Care Baby?In this week's episode of Parents You’ve Got This - The Expert Guide to Parenthood we discuss the NICU and Special Care experience.  Most parents don’t expect to have this experience as part of their parenting journey and it can come at quite a shock.If you are currently going through this experience our hearts got out to you. Joined by our Paediatric Physiotherapist Fran Finlayson, in this episode we discuss the common reasons your baby may be admitted to special care or the NICU, what the special care/NICU experience entails and some tips to help you through the journey.  We discuss:- What the NICU and Special Care Units are- The main difference between the two- The most common reasons a baby would be taken to the NICU or Special Care- What a typical day in the NICU or Special Care looks like for a baby- The NICU can be quite overwhelming and stressful for parents: a white room with little cribs, oxygen, monitors, and alarms going off. Fran talks us through what to expect- Many parents feel nervous about handling or settling their baby in the NICU and worry they won't bond with their child. Fran shares her tips to help parents feel more confident and involved during this time- The role of a physiotherapists to support babies in the NICU or Special Care nursery- The NICU can be a stressful environment for families emotionally and mentally. Fran shares what the different support services are available for parents during their baby’s stay, and how can families look after themselves during this time- What happens when a baby is ready to leave the NICU- For babies born premature or medically unwell, what some of the early signs parents should watch for once they are home are, and when should they seek extra support or follow-up care- What Fran wishes every parent knew about the NICU/Special Care experience.  Never forget Parents You've Got This Parents You've Got This - The Expert Guide To Parenthood Podcast is proudly supported by Mustela natural origin skincare, by parents' side since 1950.Follow us Social: Instagram: @parentsyouvegotthis_auThreads @parentsyouvegotthis_auTikTok: @partentsyouvegotthis_auFacebook: @parentsyouvegotthis__________________________________Parents You've Got This offers antenatal and postnatal parenting education and Masterclasses from the planning phase to early preschool. Learn more: ⁠⁠parentsyouvegotthis.com.au⁠⁠Credits: Producer Dean Thomas, Camera person Tim Hehir, Content and Hosts Parents You've Got ThisThank you Think HQ for the beautiful podcast recording space