With an Omphalocele your baby will spend some time in the NICU, this could be for days to months or some a year. There is no definite time nor is there a specific timeline to follow. Every NICU experience is different and may feel like a roller coaster. Every NICU is different from the way they are set up, what level of care they offer and how they do the same tasks. When your baby first goes into the NICU it is usually all hands on deck trying to decide what your baby needs at that moment. It may feel overwhelming and they may not let you in there at that time but that is so they can do proper assessments. Your baby will likely be hooked up to a pulse ox, heart monitor, feeding tube, oxygen and while so small a temperature sticker (feel free to ask your nurses when things settle down what each cord does). Generally the nurses will set up set care times in which you can ask to participate with diaper changes, and temperature checks. Ask your NICU team how involved you can be to create a bond doing the things you would do at home with your baby.

Some NICUs have what they call primary and associate nurses. What this means is a nurse will pick your baby and be the primary (main nurse) so every time (or at least they try to) they are working they will be taking care of your baby. This allows for them to know everything they can to better take care of them and create a bond with you. An associate nurse would be one that picks your baby and if the primary is not their but the associate is they will take care of your baby. It doesn’t always work out this way and not every hospital has this but it can definitely be an advantage.

Everyones NICU experience is different, and each NICU does things differently