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DOs for
Parents:
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Develop a
relationship with the physician(s) on the hospital team. You must find a way
to communicate with the doctors so that they respect you and do not see you
as an adversary.
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Advocate for
your child and direct the care along with your Primary Care Physician (i.e.,
Pediatrician).
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Take one day at
a time.
DOs for
Medical Professionals:
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Tell the parents
the implications of procedures to be performed.
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Pay attention to
what the parents know about their child.
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Have someone to
explain the financial aspects, i.e., who pays what?
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Explain
Insurance? Medicaid? Medicare?
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Provide a
support group for mothers with babies in the NICU; if only fifteen minutes
per session. Allows a natural support group of all persons who are sharing
similar experiences.
DON’Ts for
Parents
DON’Ts for
Medical Professionals:
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Do not say,
“Many children are worse off than your child in this unit.”
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Don’t take the
parent visitations for granted that there is always someone available with
the child. When the parent/family is visiting, they will need a break during
which time the medical staff must be alert to the child’s needs.
-
Just ask
questions of the Mother. Both the Mother and the Father should be included
in the decisions for the child.
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Parents should
consider having their child evaluated when they are worried that their child
is not developing at the same rate or in the same way as other children of
the same age.
Read more of Dr. Leslie Rubin's advice. |
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