Survival in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Mom's Presence is Vital

One of the blessings of this kind of trial in life is to take what we have learned and share it for the benefit of those who follow. Because I had 8 other children at home and had been through a physical ordeal myself I was ordered home, an hour away, to rest. I was assured that I would be called if there were any changes in my precious child's condition. Weighing 2 lbs for weeks on end, and fighting infection after infection, receiving one blood transfusion after another constantly, my baby had little hope for survival. Doctors and nurses were honest and compassionate with us, and the truth of the situation was overwhelming.

During one particularly difficult period when my son was constantly "coding" the doctors and nurses would not allow me to touch or hold him. I noticed during this three day period that he continued to get worse and we were constantly praying for his survival as they tried to resuscitate him again and again. On the third day I insisted on holding him. The charge nurse gave in and allowed me to hold my son close to my breast for 3 hours. During that 3 hour period I spoke to him and held him closely: he never coded once!

Learning very quickly that my voice was a comfort and strength to him I returned home, made a cassette tape of my voice speaking and singing to him. We purchased a small tape player and placed it inside the incubator with him. From that point on, anytime I left to eat or sleep I asked the nurses to constantly play the tape. They began to notice over the next weeks that while the tape played he progressed. When they would forget to turn the tape over, etc., he would struggle.

What a powerful lesson this was! Many babies in the NICU are left there alone while their parents go about their daily routines at home. Many do not survive. My baby is now turning 4 and thriving! I desire for all parents who are blessed with a preemie, or sick baby who must spend time in a NICU to understand the importance of the Mom's presence. There is no substitute for your voice, the sound of your heartbeat. It is very important to the survival of your child.