Page 16 - What to Expect

Arrival in the NICU

For most people the world of the Unit can be a very alien place, and it can
take a while to adjust. There is a glossary of commonly used terms at the
back of this guide to help you become familiar with all of the new words
you will be hearing, and the staff you will be meeting.

What happens when I am discharged from the

Postnatal ward?

You may not want to leave the postnatal ward after the birth of your baby.
Your body will be experiencing a lot of changes, particularly hormonal,
that may make you feel quite sad and weepy at times. This is quite normal
and is sometimes called the day three blues.

Home may be a lot quieter than the hospital. On the postnatal ward you
can’t help but hear and see the other babies crying, which reminds you
that your baby is not with you. Being at home could give you time with
your family to relax and recover from the birth.

When you leave the hospital for the first time after the birth of your
precious baby, you may be anxious for his well-being and care. You can
phone the Unit whenever you wish - day or night.

What are all these emotions?

Women may have strong emotional feelings when they give birth. Having
a baby in the Unit only intensifies these feelings. Maybe you have feelings
of worry, shock and guilt. Questions like “Why my baby?” and “What did
I do wrong?” may be racing through your mind. These are totally normal
reactions.

Your obstetrician, GP, or midwife may be able to give you some indication
as to why your baby came early or needed special care after birth. Some
mothers will spend a long time in the antenatal ward expecting and
preparing for an early delivery, others will suddenly go into a pre-term
labour that cannot be stopped. Often the things that the mother did or
didn’t do while she was pregnant are unrelated to the baby’s early birth.

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