New Milestone Cards for Saint Barnabas Medical Center NICU Parents
Parents who had babies in this NICU at Saint Barnabas Medical Center over the last few years have been hard at work developing Milestone Cards. Some of these parents had babies who were here a few days and others a few weeks or even months. They all agreed that many of the books/packs of milestone cards that are out there for preemies, and others NICU babies, don’t really meet the needs of the parents here in our NICU, and/or are very expensive. They also agreed that celebrating every precious milestone in the NICU was invaluable and helped them gain a little sense of normalcy while their baby was here.
Many parents take pictures of their baby with the milestone cards and share them with friends and family or with others on social media. Some parents may choose to take pictures of their baby with the cards and keep them as a keepsake or for a scrapbook just for themselves. It’s totally up to each family to decide ho they want to use the cards.
Our NICU graduate parent volunteers created 20 cards (each in two color choices) with milestones that were important to them (i.e., "I had my first hand hug today," "I am one week old today," "I am full term today," "I’m going home today…"). Familes currently in the NICU at Saint Barnabas Medical Center who are interested in these milestone cards, can feel free to help themselves to whichever cards they would like to have to remember thier little one’s special accomplishments. Not all of the cards will apply to every baby’s situation so just take the ones that do. They are located in the displays in the NICU Family Library.
Don’t forget, you can also find complimentary baby hats, scent cloths and diaper shirts for your NICU baby in boxes in the NICU Family Library. All are made for our babies by different generous volunteer groups. If the boxes are empty or you need a different size, just ask your baby’s nurse. He or she can try to find what you need or leave word for the NICU Family Advisory Council Coordinator to restock whatever is missing. We hope you enjoy them!
Visit our website for more NICU family education and information.