Baby visiting at ICU?

Question

my dad was hospitalized 12/31/19, while I was still pregnant and no one told me because they didn’t want me to worry and have the baby early. I just went to go see him yesterday and took him some pictures of his grandson he was so happy he started crying. My dad is in bad shape, he can’t breathe on his own. He went through heart and lung surgery and we don’t know when he will be able to come home but it looks like not any time soon. He was so excited since I first became pregnant this is his first grandson and it breaks my heart that they haven’t met. My question is, am I crazy for thinking of taking my baby to go visit? I don’t even know if they allow babies to visit. I haven’t even took my baby out any where only to his doctors appointments. He is one month today. But it’s not like an ER where there is people with coughs and fevers.. it’s literally old people in bed in the rooms next to my dad. 😕

Answer

I would call first just to make sure that there are no patients in ICU near your dad with something contagious or harmful to baby. People are in ICU for numerous reasons including infections.

Answer

I would recommend calling the hospital first and finding out. We’re still in the cold and flu season and there are many patients that get admitted into the hospital for those issues, a lot of times in ICU. I know that the hospital that I work in, we restrict visitors during this season, and usually any kid under the age of 12 isn’t allowed to visit. 
I’m sorry that your dad isn’t doing well. I hope he gets better ❤️

Answer

I am an ICU nurse and I would never take my baby to visit one. Way too many nasty germs. Especially during flu season.

Answer

As an ICU nurse, it’s not a good idea. With all the infections that brew in the hospital, your babe is at a high risk of getting sick by just being in the hallways. We don’t even allow anyone under the age of 18 in our ICU.

Answer

Hi I am an ICU nurse and it is up to you ultimately but this is my stance on it. It is an ICU people are there for life threatening illnesses, many of which are transmittable. There is flu, MRSA, tuberculosis to name a few. And even though your dad might not have any of these, you never know who was in the room before him and you have no guarantee of how well the room was cleaned before he got there. Plus the nurses, CNAs, doctors, dietitians and anyone coming into his room has probably seen a bunch of other patients and is now coming into his room and touching things. They are suppose to wash their hands but people don’t always unfortunately and it’s not 100% effective. Your newborns immune system is very weak and I wouldn’t risk it. The only time I would think about it is if it was definitely something terminal and his last opportunity to meet your baby. Even then weigh the risks and call the hospital and see if they would allow it. We typically don’t allow anyone under 13 unless someone is actively dying. God bless!

Baby visiting at ICU?

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