What they do is they send their Family Support Specialist to work with NICU families at no cost. At St. Als in Boise, that person is Kristi. As I returned to our wee ones' bedsides today, I found Kristi talking with John about her role as the "Rest Police" to make sure we are taking care of ourselves. She gave suggestions as she emphasized how important it is that we don't get sick (at which point, we wouldn't be allowed to visit), how we can use the nurses as resources for feeding, developing a home schedule when we're able to take Catherine (and finally Lela) home, etc. She told us about the professional photographer that would be coming in tomorrow afternoon offering a free photo shoot for our family, she brought us two books to read to the girls and scent squares for us to wear for the next two days to leave in the girls cribs. She also talked with our nurse about using our blankets to swaddle the girls so that we can bring their scent home to begin to prepare Kai-dog for their arrival. In short, she is amazing and left us feeling all warm and fuzzy. We're glad she's on our team! And we're humbled knowing we won't be seeing fees related to her services on our "hired help" bill.
Now we know about the March of Dimes... they will certainly recieve our support in the future.
Yippee! So glad you are blogging. What beauties your girls are! So, speaking of not getting sick, I'm sure you've been told but be seriously cautious about letting children (little vectors that they are) or even possibly-sick adults anywhere near you or your girls for a few months!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are getting some good support and can't wait to join your friends to support you all at home! XO, Claire and Fiona