You’ve heard of a birth plan but have you heard of a NICU Parenting Plan?
You will have many decisions to make as you navigate the NICU with your baby. A NICU Parenting Plan will help you actively create a more satisfying parenting experience as you learn about your options, find clarity in your preferences, and clearly communicate your needs.
Like a birth plan, a NICU Parenting Plan is a tool for information gathering and communication.
To get you started I’ve created NICU Planning Worksheets in two parts. Part 1: Your Options introduces and encourages you to explore your NICU parenting options and identify your preferences. Part 2: Getting to Know Us offers a series of questions for you to explore and share with the team caring for your baby so they can better serve your whole family.
Your baby’s unique medical needs and health status will be a starting point for what is possible—follow your baby’s lead, partner with your baby’s team of providers, and communicate your preferences to help guide decision-making and build a trusted relationship. Know that your preferences are an essential element of evidence-based care.
If you are ready to get started head straight for the download at the bottom of the page, or read on to learn more about the benefits of a NICU Parenting Plan and what’s included. No matter what step you are on in the journey—A NICU parenting Plan is for you!
What you Need to Know
A NICU Parenting Plan helps you find your voice as your baby’s advocate, and creates opportunity to be the parent you want to be no matter what path your family’s NICU journey takes.
A NICU Parenting Plan Will Help You
Learn about your options
Identify what you need as a parent and what you want for your baby from the moment they are born, admitted to the NICU, and for the duration of their hospitalization
Begin and continue conversations about your family’s needs, strengths, and challenges in the context of your baby’s medical stay and the policies & procedures routine to your NICU
Engage your baby’s medical team to support and facilitate your parenting goals
Every NICU has its own policies, practices and culture. A thoughtfully drafted NICU Parenting Plan empowers you with a head start for informed choice and shared decision-making.
This free download includes over 16 pages of content!
5 Steps to a More Satisfying NICU Parenting Experience
5 Important Questions to ask when having a discussion or making a decision about your baby and their care
Encouragement for your journey
A 6-page checklist of parenting options for you to consider with a notes page to jot down your ideas, thoughts, and questions
14 prompts you can use right now to share important information that your baby’s team should know about you, and what your family brings to your NICU Parenting experience, so they can provide the kind of information, education, and resources you need most.