Written by Jennifer Canvasser, Founder and Director of the NEC Society

My twins, Micah and Zachary, were born three months prematurely. They spent 91 terrifying days in the NICU, where they each nearly lost their lives. During this time, I did not reach out to my family and friends because I was too overwhelmed. I needed people to reach out to me and insist on providing their love and support. Fortunately, people did, and here are the amazing gifts they gave…

Do you know a NICU family? Which gift can you share? 

Babywearing 
During our NICU journey, an “expert babywearer” visited our family and showed us how to safely wrap our preemies – even though they were attached to cords, wires, and tubes. Babywearing in the NICU allowed us to keep our babies close, snuggled up next to our hearts, with our hands totally free! Babywearing provides a beautiful way for parents and babies to bond. All NICU families should learn how to “wear” their babies. 

Capture the Moments
In the moment, we had no desire to remember or document much of our NICU experience. It was so overwhelming that we just wanted it to be over. But now, we treasure every photo, video, handprint, and keepsake from the boys’ first months of life. We loved having washable ink pads to make baby hand and footprints. High quality photos and videos are invaluable in reminding us to celebrate all of our babies’ achievements.

Children’s Books
Micah and Zachary couldn’t be held during most of their NICU stay. To connect, we sat next to their isolettes and read story after story. They loved hearing our voices and we loved reading to them. The stories we read during their time in the NICU are written in our hearts forever. Every NICU baby should own these books:

On the Night You Were Born, by Nancy Tillman

Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You, by Nancy Tillman

The Crown on Your Head, by Nancy Tillman

Healthy Food
Hospital food gets old, fast. We knew that nursing (and exclusively pumping!) mothers should have a healthy diet, but we were always at the hospital and never made time to cook. We needed food that was easy to eat, satisfying, and most of all, healthy. Thankfully, our loved ones cooked for us so we could spend more time in the NICU with our babies.

Help at Home
It was impossible to keep up with household tasks while the twins were in the NICU. Even simple chores were neglected. We desperately needed help to keep our home functioning. Thankfully, our moms and neighbors stepped up. If you’re willing to lend a hand, please be specific with your offer. Here’s what we found extremely helpful: 

Help with siblings/the family dog

Help with the yard and everyday chores

Offers to run errands or pick up things from the store

Did we mention healthy food?

Mothers Milk
Breast milk is essential for medically fragile infants. Unfortunately, many babies in the NICU cannot nurse for weeks or months, which means mothers have to rely on a breast pump to establish their milk supply. Pumping is exhausting and challenging. Mothers of fragile infants need support and encouragement. Partners, family members, and friends should do everything they can to support NICU mamas as they make milk for their babies. Donor milk is the next best option for vulnerable infants whose mothers cannot provide them with enough milk.

Music
Micah and Zachary were fortunate to have a music therapist play live music for them, regularly. The music soothed all of us. We used music to help soften sounds of chaos (i.e. alarms, machines, beeping) and create a space for healing.

Personalized Baby Gifts
We treasure these special baby gifts that Micah and Zachary received while in the NICU:

– Handmade baby blankets and matching items

– Anything personalized with the twins’ names

– Children’s books

– Preemie sized, button up clothes Personalized keepsake boxes

– Wraps or babycarriers that allowed us to keep our babies close

Planned Visits
Micah and Zachary were often so unpredictable and unstable that I did not want unexpected visitors. I could not handle one more person and their questions. Planned visits were wonderful. I am forever grateful to the people who took the time to call, email or text, to find out how the twins were doing, and allowed me to tell them when they could come by for a visit. Indeed, I wanted visitors. I wanted to share my beautiful twins with my family and friends. I wanted to be connected with life outside of the NICU. But, I had to feel safe and ready.

Presence. Words. Silence.
Be present in the moment with NICU families. Love the NICU baby for who she is right now. Stop looking for explanations or trying to make predictions. Just be in the moment. Here are some things to say to NICU families:

– Your baby is beautiful.

– I would love to support you through this journey. Can I provide/give/do___________?

– Where can I wash my hands? (hand hygiene is so important in the NICU!)

– Use words that validate, empower, and recognize the challenges of being a NICU parent.

Tragically, baby loss happens to too many NICU families. Be sure to say the lost baby’s name and let the family know you haven’t forgotten about their precious baby. You can also order a copy of Forever Our Little One. Finally, get comfortable with silence. Sometimes, just being present and listening is all NICU families need to feel loved, validated, and supported.

No one plans to become a NICU family. NICU families need the love and support of their family and community. If you know a NICU family, provide them with one of these 10 incredible gifts. Insist on showing them love. A community of love will help NICU families become the best advocates, nurturers, and champions for their precious little ones.