12 + PHRASES parents of NICU babies LOVE to hear!!

[@olawunmivera-cruz4879]

Great video! I will say though that I don’t say “ He’s going to be okay” because sometimes that’s false hope. I think he’s doing what’s expected for his age is something I’ll rather stick to.

[@TalaTalksNICU]

You’re absolutely right- we shouldn’t say this. Those are much better words- there’s always a tiny chance. Thank you for your comment

[@Chris-di6nl]

I've seen parents really react well when i told them that not only did the baby gain weight, but I would tell them when the baby grew longer or taller. And i showed them on a ruler how long they were when they were born vs how long they were currently and they really lit up seeing that cuz sometimes it was hard to see growth day by day

[@TalaTalksNICU]

Oh I love this!!!! I wish I included that in the video! Parents want the weight every day- but I agree they love knowing the length and head is getting bigger too!!!

[@anneshields8188]

Thanks!

[@TalaTalksNICU]

This is way too generous!!!! I owe you lunch if (when!?) we ever meet!!!! Thank you so much! For all your support and encouragement! Xx

[@anneshields8188]

If you were doing a conference I would pay more than that! I do hope we meet though!

[@sifnamoljoseph85]

thanks dr tala

[@TalaTalksNICU]

Thanks for watching :)

[@nandaswart4723]

We give out certificates for every milestone like first bottle or two kilos and I always feel so proud when I make them.

[@TalaTalksNICU]

This is fantastic! And I love it when parents put them up on the all and you see all these massive milestones :)

[@goecmj]

I have an unrelated question! Whenever I discuss hep b vaccine, parents who don’t want it may say that there’s no way their kid will get hep b and that the baby will not be exposed to other bodily fluids that would put them at risk. What is your general response to that?

[@TalaTalksNICU]

This is such a great question. Always so tough. Honestly, I think I mostly see where parents are. If they’re against everything, then I spend a lot more time convincing them to accept vitamin K. That’s the immediate risk. If they’ve accepted vitamin K but aren’t sure about hepatitis B then I just emphasize that babies who start on time are much more likely to be fully vaccinated. And later on the hepatitis b vaccine is mixed in with others- that are super important for all ages (eg pertussis) and so when they start off schedule they’re more likely to stay off schedule. I also mention that babies really don’t get affected by the hepatitis b vaccine (no fevers, crankiness etc). Worst I’ve ever seen is erythema at the site. It’s all really tough how hard we should push. In the NICU I think I’m gentler because I’m so worried about losing their trust. In newborn nursery, I push harder- I have one moment to put my viewpoint across- and they’re not following up with me as a pediatrician. (And sometimes when parents hear something enough times they realize maybe this is the way to go!). I’ve been tempted to cover vaccines but it’s SO LOADED (at least in the US) and I don’t want any emotional energy wasted on hate mail!!!!!

[@anneshields8188]

I tell them" hepatitis can live on a suface for months. Are you sure somebody didn't skin their knee to bleeding on a playground?" Then I say kids don't get fevers etc from the vaccine