Advice from Moms/Dads who’ve had a newborn in NICU.

My husband and I are expecting our second late February -early March. Our little one has been diagnosed with a CHD and will have to be transferred to another hospital shortly after birth for monitoring and eventually a procedure. We’ve been told to expect a 2-3 week stay, although that could change. So tentative plan is that I will have to stay behind until I’m discharged, hopefully within a day or 2, but my husband can go with him as soon as he is transferred. We do not know anyone personally that’s been through this so I was hoping for advice/ recommendations, I’m trying to be as prepared as I can.

What things should I pack?

I know I’ll have to pump but I’m really hoping to be able to nurse when we get home. Will I have trouble with this? How often did you pump?

And how did you juggle if you had children at home? I have a toddler also. Leaving her really stresses me, we have a routine at home as I stay home with her but she will be family and well taken care of and I obviously have to leave to have this baby.

Any advice appreciated. Thank you!