Touch for babies in the NICU

[Tina Allen | Liddle Kidz]

If you have a baby in the NICU and have been unable to touch or hold them very frequently, you may be able to use containment holding with your baby to help show your loving attention.

Before providing any touch for your infant please speak to baby's attending physician and/or nurse to make sure you can provide this loving touch. If you have any questions work with the healthcare staff to assist you.

Loving touch can play an important role in healing for you and your baby.

[Stephanie]

Thank you for saying this. I think it is important to give parents permission to ask their doctors abut their babies. I think it's hard to ask sometimes because we think we are just supposed to rely on the doctors and nurses word only.

[Tina Allen | Liddle Kidz]

Hi Stephanie,

You are absolutely correct! We shouldn’t be shy or afraid about asking our child’s medical team questions, but we are. I think we are trained very early that respect for physicians, nurses and those in healthcare makes us sit quietly, listen and not ask questions.

I always encourage parents to ask questions. Never fear asking your child's pediatrician, specialist or nurse about your child's health. The reality is that your medical team wants to make sure you understand what is going on with your child, and how you might help to make the situation better.

Another thing to remember, if you do not understand medical terminology used by your physician, please ask for clarity. There is always someone who can help you understand in everyday language.