NICU Awareness Month: Debunking 5 Common Myths
It's true—nothing can fully prepare you for your baby's time in the NICU. But with the right information, many misconceptions can be cleared up, giving you a better sense of what to expect. And what better time to do this than during NICU Awareness Month?
As a society, we’re often unaware of the possibilities that can arise after birth. Many of us imagine a straightforward experience—getting pregnant, delivering around the due date, and taking the baby home. But few are prepared for the reality of preterm birth, delivery complications, or our baby needing respiratory support.
What’s more, we’re not prepared for what goes on inside the NICU. When I had my daughter, I broke down at the sight of her tiny body connected to a web of tubes and IV lines. The medical jargon, the hustle and bustle of nurses, and the never-ending beeping and alarm sounds felt completely foreign.
That’s why it’s important to discuss these realities beforehand. To help, I’m debunking five common NICU myths I wish I’d known so you’ll be better prepared if you or a loved one ever faces a NICU stay.
NICU Myth #1: Only Premature Babies Need NICU Care
Because my work centers around helping preemie parents, I spend a lot of time discussing premature birth. But this is not the only type of family who finds themselves in the NICU.
Full-term babies can also require neonatal care. This is why, for example, Prematurity Awareness Month and NICU Awareness Month are two separate observances. You might be surprised to learn that around 60 percent of babies admitted to the NICU are born full-term.
The five most common reasons for their admissions are:
Respiratory conditions
Infection
Hypoglycemia
Jaundice
Asphyxia
Of course, a NICU stay for a full-term baby can be just as challenging as one for a preemie, which segways directly into our next point.
NICU Myth #2: A Short NICU Stay Is Not as Traumatic as a Long One
Let me be clear. Whether it’s an hour, a day, or 70 days, a NICU stay is traumatic.
Many parents feel ashamed about the rollercoaster of emotions they feel during their child’s time in the hospital, which is something we aim to address for NICU awareness this month. I’ve even had parents tell me, “My baby was only in the NICU for a few days, so I shouldn’t feel this upset.”
The truth is, not taking your baby home at the end of the day isn’t normal. Missing those first moments of holding them after birth isn’t normal either. Having a child in the NICU is an incredibly difficult situation, and you don’t need a certain length of stay to justify how challenging it is.
If you’re struggling with mental health as a parent, you’re not overreacting. Your feelings are valid, and you are not alone.
NICU Myth #3: Most NICU Babies Breastfeed Right Away
When I finally emerged from the haze after fighting for my life and the life of my daughter, I asked my obstetrician what Jenna had been eating during the three days I couldn’t see her.
“Donor milk,” she said.
“Donated by who?!” I asked, confused.
She then explained that generous women donate milk for NICU babies. It’s safe, tested through strict protocols, and is the best food option for babies besides their mother’s milk. I later learned that it wasn’t just Jenna–many NICU babies are given donor milk when they’re first admitted, whether through tube feeding, bottle feeding, or an IV.
When I wasn’t able to breastfeed, donor milk was a lifeline. If you’re curious about what feeding your baby in the NICU looks like, I go into more detail about my experience in this article.
NICU Myth #4: NICU Babies Should Never Sleep on Their Bellies
My mother and I always believed that babies should never sleep on their stomachs—until one day, shortly after my daughter Jenna was born.
Our NICU had a camera system, so even when we couldn’t be at the hospital, we could still watch Jenna. One day, my mom was checking the camera and suddenly turned to me, concerned.
“Jenna is sleeping on her stomach!” she said.
Sure enough, there she was, lying on her stomach in her isolette. I immediately called the hospital, worried, but they reassured me it was completely normal. In fact, babies in the NICU often sleep on their stomachs because it helps them breathe better, can help with gas, and improves their oxygen levels.
Since NICUs are closely monitored, the risk of SIDS is extremely low. Of course, when it’s time to go home, they’ll need to transition to sleeping on their backs, but in the NICU, belly-sleeping is nothing to worry about.
NICU Myth #5: Peer Support Is Standard Practice in Most NICUs
Unfortunately, most NICUs don’t have any peer support model, though places such as the Family-Centered Task Force are working to change that.
With 40-50% of NICU parents experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD, it’s clear that more mental health intervention is needed. While professional support plays a part in filling this gap, there are significant benefits in peer support, including:
Shared experience
Practical advice based on real-life
Emotional support without judgment
Long-term connections and friendships
Holistic support that stretches beyond just medical care
FLRRiSH is a peer support model that offers individualized coaching and resources for parents in the NICU and beyond. We help parents find more confidence, clarity, and peace on their parenthood journey.
If you’re curious about how FLRRiSH can help, you can schedule a free call with us here. Or, if you simply want more ideas about how to get the support you need, you can read my comprehensive guide for NICU parents. These tips are also great to share with friends and family throughout NICU Awareness Month!