NICU
Asking Questions
Asking questions in regards to your baby's condition and care is absolutely recommended and encouraged. Medical staff want parents to be as informed as possible. If something is explained, and a parent does not quite understand, ask for an explanation again, and the doctor, practitioner, or nurse will often try to find a different way to explain it.
Keep in mind that medical staff are surrounded by medical terminology 24/7 when they are at their job, so when they explain a baby's condition and care, they may say things a parent doesn't quite understand. This is absolutely normal, and a parent should not feel bad about asking questions so that they can fully understand their baby's condition.
If a parent is away form the neonatal intensive care unit and does research on their own, such as viewing educational information sites such as this one, it is best to write down questions they have and bring them to the hospital the next time they visit the neonatal ICU, they will not forget.
It is important to remember that there is a wide variation and interpretation of medical treatment and care, so each doctor may present their information differently. If a parent has questions about their understanding of a situation that differs from what the doctor is telling them, make sure to ask and have everything explained clearly. There is nothing worse than a parent who does not fully understand what is happening to their baby or why certain treatments and care are being used for their baby.
Again, do not feel bad about asking questions. Make sure to understand what is going on with your baby in the NICU. Medical staff will be more than happy to help you in any way they can.