Page 18 - What to Expect

Arrival in the NICU

You may find that you are the one holding the family together. You
may need to take on some less familiar roles such as washing, cooking,
cleaning, looking after the other children, as well as continuing to work. It
is important to remember that you may need to sort things out at home
on behalf of your partner.

Families cope in different ways whether it be spending all your time
between the Unit and postnatal wards, choosing to spend the time looking
after the rest of the family, or choosing to have a bit of time out. These are
all ways of coping with this new and unfamiliar situation.

Support each other in caring for your baby. The time spent in the Unit is
only a very small part of your lives, and you will need each other when
your baby comes home.

If you are a nominated support person who isn’t the father of the baby,
then you may be allowed access to the baby in the Unit and can relay
progress to the mother. Nominated support people can be a grandparent,
sister, brother or close friend. If you have been nominated, listen to the
needs of the mother.

What do I do with my other children?

You may need babysitters and boredom-busters for your other children
while you are visiting the latest addition to your family. Don’t be nervous
to ask someone to look after your other children. Neighbours, friends,
grandparents, aunts and other relatives can be a great help at a time like
this.

Childcare can be a good option for older siblings. There are childcare
options in the vicinity of the hospital, however childcare centres are not
free. If you are already receiving a benefit from Work and Income New
Zealand (WINZ), you may be eligible for childcare support. Ask the social
worker assigned to you for advice.

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