NICU Thanksgiving

Each year as the holiday season falls upon us, I find that I am constantly thinking of the many families that will be celebrating the winter holidays with a new baby in the NICU. While the holidays are often times filled with traditions, celebrations and gatherings.... NICU Families find themselves in a balancing act of trying to maintain some level of normalcy while also spending time in the hospital supporting their fragile child. 

However, the holidays can still be special and full of wonderful memories! And during Thanksgiving, what better time to concentrate on the many things to be thankful for! 

HOW TO MAKE THE NICU A PLACE OF THANKSGIVING:
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​1. Create craft turkey's and write everything you are grateful for on their feathers, or design a tree and write your items of thanks on the leaves that decorate it! Thinking about the things you are grateful for, and physically writing them down, can really improve spirits!

2. Join together with other NICU Families and have a holiday meal together. You don't have to have the meal ON Thanksgiving, but enjoy it together a day or two before/after. Spend time getting to know others and supporting each other through the holiday season together. 

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WHAT TO BE THANKFUL FOR:

• The fact that you have this new little life
• For the technology that is available to you and your child, to help sustain life
  
• For the hospital organization, and all of the work they do to provide 24/7 medical care
  
• For the doctors helping make medical decisions every day that impact you and your child
  
• For the nurses who keep eyes on your child around the clock
  
• For the NICU Staff who are all there with the same goal: To help you and your baby thrive! They include social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech & language therapists,  respiratory therapists, nutritionists, pharmacists, nursing assistants, child life therapists, case managers, educators, peer mentors, nurse practitioners, medical students, radiologists, phlebotomists, leaders, managers, etc. 
  
• If you have housing near by (or staying at a Ronald McDonald House), you are able to remain near your baby
• For the support and education you receive from staff each day
• For family
• For Friends

What else are you thankful for?