Ways you can be involved during your baby’s NICU stay

The NICU team is here for you! Do not hesitate to speak further with the team to clarify your concerns.
Bond with your baby: through talking, singing to, touching or even reading to him/her. Your baby can recognise you and be encouraged by your presence!
KKH NICU promotes Family Integrated Care (FIC) – you are encouraged to be involved in your baby’s routines – through changing diapers and feeding him or her. Touch is also important and kangaroo care is encouraged as soon as your baby is ready. The FIC and NICU team would be happy to guide you on how to be involved in the care of your baby even in the NICU.
Breastfeeding—Breast milk is the best food for your baby, even if baby is in the NICU. The NICU team of doctors and nurses will provide guidance and advice on expressing breast milk for your baby and help you breastfeed your baby as soon as it is suitable to do so. More information on breastfeeding, including expression and storage of breastmilk can be found at the following links:

Learn to read your baby’s cues as you care for him/her. In the process, you would get to know your baby better and feel more confident in handling him/her.
Make memories through taking photos of and with your little one. You may also wish to take photos, zooming in on the parts you enjoy the most of him/her, such as hands, feet or facial features. The possibilities are endless!
Keep a journal to record your journey with your baby during the NICU stay. You may wish to include the milestones your baby has achieved, special memories you made, and certain experiences you shared with your baby. For some parents, it helps to write down feelings and emotions they have gone through during their baby’s NICU stay. Parents may wish to keep the journal private, share it with family members or even with the members of the NICU team.