In honor of NICU Awareness Month
When you have a baby, especially two, everyone is eager to meet them. But in the NICU, those visits are far from simple. Visitors are strictly limited, and the rules can feel like a bubble wrapping your newborns from the outside world. In our case, visitors were limited to those with parental wristbands—and in the NICU, that’s only two people. Luckily, with twins and a double room, we had a bit more flexibility, but it was still a challenge to coordinate.
Most NICU rooms are quite small. After all, these are tiny humans requiring specialized care. Our double room gave us some space, but still, we kept our visitor list short—a handful of family and friends. After the first week, we set up a rotating schedule for those who came to help with the twins’ “cares” during the rigid 3-hour blocks. It became a bit of a routine, with family stepping in to help while I took breaks to recharge.
Boundaries are tricky when it comes to babies, but in the NICU, they become even more important. The environment is delicate, and it’s not just about keeping the babies safe but also allowing them the rest and healing they need. The NICU nurses and volunteers were incredible—always there to lend a hand or a kind word. The volunteers were there for one thing: baby snuggles. They stepped in when I couldn’t be there, offering comfort to my babies when I couldn’t hold them myself.
The nurses not only got to know me but also became familiar with “the old guys”—my dad and “Uncle Mark”—who were regulars in the NICU. The staff appreciated our little crew, knowing that family support was essential in making this journey bearable.
Having a solid support system made a world of difference in those early weeks. Though the NICU is a unique, challenging place, the help and love we received gave me strength, especially on days when it all felt overwhelming.
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