There is so little material for parents about NICU when it comes to including their other children in the experience. It is sadly forgotten that bigger siblings are going through much the same trials as parents and completely able to understand the situation with little resources.
There is a marvelous coloring book designed just for older siblings that I believe should be in every hospital to hand out to encourage hope. It is titled, "Come Home Soon, Baby Brother."
This twelve page book contains easy to understand medical verbiage, fun drawings to color, and is written by a Registered Nurse, Debi Iarussi.
Debi Iarussi has had tons of experience in Maternal Child Nursing and Women’s Services and is currently a lactation consultant in Austin, Texas. (Illustrations are by Crystal Nobles a 16-year-old high school student in San Antonio, Texas.)
With a deep understanding of how older children respond to their babies being in the NICU, she set out to develop a book to make the experience better. With complete success this coloring book includes detailed drawings of a baby in a incubator and adorned with cords. It reminds a child that the NICU is a temporary step in their new baby’s life and educates them on simple ideas like washing hands and breastfeeding.
Truly this sweet and educational coloring book is a great tool that any child could learn from.
What a wonderful gift this coloring book would be for any sibling with a baby in the NICU? I believe this book should be sold in gift shops around the nation and expand to “Come Home Soon, Baby Sister” and “Come Home Soon, Babies.” To purchase this book go to Platypus Media's web-site or Amazon.
Other articles in this series:
Surviving NICU part 1: An introduction
Surviving NICU part 2: Feeding your baby
Surviving NICU part 3: Stages of beds in NICU
Surviving NICU part 4: What is Bradycardia or Apnea?
Surviving NICU part 5: My baby needs O2
Surviving NICU part 6: Monitors
Surviving NICU part 7: Aiva's stay in NICU
Surviving NICU part 8: Caroline and Sophie
Surviving NICU part 9: Jaundice
Surviving NICU part 10: Helping older siblings
Surviving NICU part 11: Blood work and IV therapy
Surviving NICU part 12: Yes, you can say enough is enough!
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NICU support for Evansville area parents
Comments
This book looks great. I wish I had had it when my sons were in NICU. Great item!
I am expecting triplets. I have read your whole series and I am so appreciative. I didn't know anything about NICU before this. I really am glad I stumbled upon this. I now feel better about delivery. (I have 9 more weeks!!)
I agree with Kristen. I am expecting my 2nd child and I have had a lot of complications. My first pregnancy went so smoothly that I just don't know what to expect if this baby comes early. I really love this series...it should be a booklet or something that they give you at the OBGYN. Thanks so much. I am thinking about ordering this coloring book for my son incase our baby does come early...Thanks Again!!
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