Baby Shower While Baby is in the NICU
It was a wonderful experience having a baby shower after my preemie baby was born and while she was in the NICU. For one thing, I was living out of town to be with the baby, so being able to go home and feel support and love from so many wonderful family members and friends was really good for me. Most of my friends at home did not know what I was experiencing, didn’t know anything about preemie babies, and were unaware of most of the challenges I faced in the NICU. My sister-in-law who threw the party for me had some creative baby shower ideas that made my shower a very special one.
For one thing, she asked me to make a slideshow of pictures of my baby that I could show to everyone during the shower. This was one thing that I was so excited about because nobody knew what my baby looked like and I wanted to share her with them. I wanted them to see how beautiful she was and how much she meant to me. Secondly, when I arrived at the shower there were framed pictures of my baby girl all around the room. I was so overcome with gratitude for my family’s understanding of how much my baby meant to me and how hard it had been to leave her alone at the hospital so that I could come home for the shower. I hated leaving my baby’s bedside because I did not like for her to be alone in her suffering and I wanted her to always have the comforting presence of her mommy there with her. I wanted her to know she was loved and protected and safe.
My baby shower was so wonderful because I got to show everyone what a special baby I had. I was happy that so many of my friends better understood what I was going through, and that significantly widened my support group. I got wonderful gifts for my baby, great baby shower pictures, and had a wonderful time escaping the stresses of the NICU. In fact, I think baby showers should always be after the baby is born because then you get to show off your little miracle, the fruit of your labors!
If any of you are unsure if you should go through with a shower because your friend delivered early I’d say DO IT! It will help her to feel love and support, and it will give her the chance to show off her preemie baby which not many have the chance to do.
Affectionately Posted on
Ur comment has helped me alot. I am going threw the same thing right now. I delivered a 25 week preemie baby boy. Now he is almost 3 months and is still in the ISCU. I am thinking of a baby shower soon. But wasnt sure if the idea was a good one and now after reading your story i think i am going for it. thanks.