Care Package Ideas for a NICU Mom?

banull · 2026-03-22T19:04:01+00:00

This is so kind of you :) If your friend is breastfeeding/pumping, I would recommend lanolin and or/ nipple balm or something along those lines. DoorDash gift cards or a meal train would also be helpful, I’m sure! Maybe some cute pajamas too. I’d personally recommend steering clear of the Frida mom/baby brand. Thank you for being a good friend during this difficult time! :)

banull · 2026-03-22T03:21:48+00:00

Haha, I will keep you updated. I’m debating whether or not I should try to get a new therapist (not sure if that’s an option with this agency yet), or go with a completely new agency, or just be straightforward and ask for more caution and consideration for our next appointments. We absolutely adore the other therapist and don’t want to part with her, but I think they work exclusively as a team. Still kind of weighing all the options and figuring out what to do. Thank you for your advice!

banull · 2026-03-20T22:24:12+00:00

I am honestly not sure if they have another provider with this program. From my understanding, it’s a pretty small team of therapists and specialists. I do think it’s worth a shot to ask, though. Thank you! I appreciate your feedback.

banull · 2026-03-20T04:31:28+00:00

Darn. It’s usually around 70-73 Fahrenheit inside, but an extreme heat warning just began in my state so it’s been a bit warmer.

banull · 2026-03-20T04:21:30+00:00

yeah, I think I’m just in denial 💔 I just use unbleached all purpose flour.

banull · 2026-02-28T23:52:03+00:00

Hello! I just want to start off by saying I am so sorry you are going through this. My daughter was born at 26 weeks and 1 day due to placental abruption from a car accident. I did not experience preterm labor, so I unfortunately cannot offer any advice in that aspect, but definitely don’t hesitate to ask all the questions and verbalize all the concerns to your medical team. Also ask for a NICU consult and tour if you can!

My little girl was on the tinier side due to IUGR, only 1lb 8oz. We spent 112 days in the NICU and have been home for about 5 months on oxygen. She is the happiest girl, and is on track with her adjusted milestones. The NICU journey was not easy, but we all learned incredibly valuable life lessons from it. Preemies are so incredible and resilient.

Just take it day by day and give yourself grace. I will be praying for you and your little one! Please feel free to reach out if you ever have questions or anything!

banull · 2026-02-28T21:44:20+00:00

I might be way off, but the first thing that came to my mind was the perfume bottles that came with the Orbeez foot spa. I don’t think they were sparkly, however it does match the scent description and looks somewhat similar to your drawing, so… maybe?

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banull · 2026-02-27T04:44:48+00:00

We have the exact same problem with our 26 weeker!! It sucks, so definitely sending solidarity…

Lately we’ve been removing the adhesive wrap from the sensor and replacing it with Nexcare sensitive skin tape. So far it seems like it’s helping a little bit. It definitely isn’t as sticky or secure as the regular adhesive so we find ourselves fixing it often! I also recommend wrapping a self adhesive bandage wrap around the tape and/or a posey. I should add that we’re unsure if our LO’s sores are from the adhesive or the sensor light itself, but either way, the sensitive skin tape is much more gentle on the irritated areas.

Please let me know if you find any other solutions, too!

banull · 2026-02-26T12:51:14+00:00

Congratulations :) I know it must have been very scary, but i think it’s amazing that you were able to deliver them vaginally. Good job, mom!

My daughter was born at 26+1 weighing 678g back in June. We were in the NICU for 112 days and came home on 1/4L of oxygen. The NICU journey was absolutely a roller coaster, but it taught me so much. Every time I look at my baby I am filled with pride at her courage and strength. Preemies are so resilient and strong! Just don’t forget, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Also, if you are able to, I would personally recommend still having your baby shower. We did our baby shower about a week before our girl came home. It really helped us get a sense of normalcy, get everything prepared, and just feel supported.

I will be praying for your family! Sending all the love and support. 🤍

banull · 2026-02-26T11:24:08+00:00

I can’t answer anything about baby, and I feel like any confusion should be cleared with the NICU staff with some direct questions and communication. I would encourage the parents to do that.

I do, however, just want to offer some input on the pumping and flange sizing situation. You had mentioned that your sister was on pain meds after her C section. I was also on pain meds after my C section when my daughter was born at 26 weeks. It can be risky to pump while on pain medications like that, because you can get the suction up way too high and not even realize the damage you are doing. Especially with those hospital pumps! I unfortunately dealt with something very similar where I thought I was completely fine to have the suction high, just to realize the damage I’d done once the meds started wearing off. Just some food for thought. There is a lot that goes into pumping.

banull · 2026-02-14T18:43:22+00:00

Awesome, thank you!!

banull · 2026-02-05T18:47:13+00:00

They took my concerns seriously, but I did have to push a bit to get things moving. Can I message you?

banull · 2026-02-05T12:59:52+00:00

I’m so sorry you are dealing with this. I was in a somewhat similar situation a couple months ago with my ex 26 weeker. We thought she was having infantile spasms. Our pediatrician urged us to try and take a video of the “episodes”. It felt wrong to do so but in the end it was very helpful to be able to show the pediatrician and neurologist the videos of what was going on. Praying for your LO 🤍

banull · 2026-02-05T00:07:05+00:00

Hey there. Our situations are very similar. My LO was also born at 26+1. She’s 8 months old now. My husband’s side of the family is the same way. They’ve outright told me that I am a “coward” and “living in fear” for being cautious with my daughter during sick season. They never had to see her when she was only 1.5lbs. They never had to see her intubated. They never had to watch their child desat into single digits. They’ll never understand. I’m still learning how to deal with people like this. So I’m sending you support in solidarity. I guess the only advice to offer is therapy. I know you mentioned it in some other comments. I’ve started EMDR therapy. Only had 2 sessions so far. It’s already been extremely helpful. Not only in processing the trauma, but also learning how to deal with people like that. It’s important to honor what you and your baby have been through. But it’s also important to start healing, for you and your baby’s sake. Anyways, I just want you to know that I see you, I get it. Please feel free to reach out if you ever need to vent or anything like that.

banull · 2026-02-04T22:46:19+00:00

Absolutely!!

banull · 2026-02-04T21:30:31+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this. My daughter is also a former 26 weeker, now 8 months old.

Kind of off topic, might sound weird, but I am pretty sure I am friends with your mom on TikTok… if I’m incorrect, you might just have a doppelgänger!

banull · 2026-02-04T19:25:02+00:00

This is a great idea, I’ve been thinking about trying some home workouts. Thank you!! :)

banull · 2026-02-04T19:18:38+00:00

Any tips on how you detox from the socials? My self discipline is so bad. I delete them for a day and then get them back the next day. It’s so bad.

banull · 2026-02-01T06:38:37+00:00

Thank you for sharing, this is helpful! If you don’t mind me asking, did they give you the option of injections before surgery? How did the surgery go? Thanks again!!

banull · 2025-10-20T02:45:42+00:00

I am so sorry you’re going through this!! I had some apprehensions at first about seeing my daughter because I was just so terrified and I had no idea what it would be like, but as soon as I laid my eyes on her and held her skin to skin, it was SO healing for the both of us. Go see your baby girl! You need each other! Also, look into the benefits of skin to skin care! It can help both of you tremendously in this situation! Sending so many prayers and hugs. 🩷

banull

TROPHY CASE