I may be a little early to this group, but we just had our NICU tour today and I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’m 32w and our little guy has a metabolic genetic disorder that will require a NICU stay. It could be as few as two weeks or as many as 8+. I’m not looking forward to the stress this will put on each of us (spouse, 1.5yo, baby, self) but obviously we will muster through and do our best to make it home w baby eventually. It’s a bit rare that we know this early that we expect extended NICU time- I’m sure most of you never imagined being NICU moms before you landed there.

So I guess I’m looking for any advice from some of you that have been or are going through it on what might make our lives just a little easier/more sane. 🤷🏼‍♀️ any NICU mom tips? Any thoughts to help us prepare? I know everyone’s experience is different, but I can imagine there are some basic similarities for every family. Also, I don’t expect to be going home right away after discharge from labor and delivery recovery- anything different/special I should pack for my “extended stay” hospital bag?