• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Mommy Mundo

multi-platform parent resource and community in the Philippines

  • Community
    • MomShare
    • Momfluence Network
  • Learn
    • Events
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search

in Pregnancy

MMPSG: What to Expect in the NICU


NICU_mommymundo

Having a preemie is undoubtedly a challenge.  Beyond the worry of a mother’s recovery, what takes precedence is the baby’s health and well being.  The life of a preemie parent often involves the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), a specialised area in the hospital designed for the needs of babies that need extra medical attention, either because they were born prematurely or have other concerns, such as congenital anomalies or complications in the birth process.

No matter what the reason for a baby being admitted, being a NICU parent is not easy.  It immediately means being away from the baby, only being allowed to see him or her a couple of hours each day–or sometimes not at all.  Being a NICU parent means doing a lot of research, having a constant dialogue with doctors and nurses, always making time for the commute, and more.

It is difficult to know what to expect in the NICU.  Every baby is a little different so the specifics might be different, but for most first time NICU parents, whether it be for a preemie or a full term baby, there are certain things that can be expected, and they are easily remembered by the acronym CHRISS.

CHRISS is an acronym one NICU mommy in the Philippines (Rachel) created and it stands for Clothing, Hydration, Respiration, Incubation, Supplement, and Sound.

Clothing


unsplash-image-UhOIDLhhIcI.jpg

At the NICU, parents need to “suit up!”  And that means proper clothing. NICUs are very likely to ask parents to wear hospital gowns or coats before entering the NICU itself to see their children.  This assures the nurses and doctors that if a baby is held by their parent, the clothes the baby is placed on are clean.  Parents may also be asked to wear disposable booties and hairnets.  Face masks are also a must.

Hydration

Very important for all NICU babies is that they stay hydrated and feed well. IV fluids and breast milk are the go-to fluids for keeping a baby fed and hydrated.  Exceptions are made when babies need specialised milk for specific problems they may encounter, but these decisions are up to the baby’s doctor. If the baby needs to gain weight, the amount of fluid and milk they receive is especially important because it aids their weight gain. Parents can expect to begin keeping track of their babies IV and milk intake and understand what that means for their baby.

Respiration. 

Breathing is very important. Very often, babies end up in the NICU because of respiratory issues. Many NICU babies need to be intubated due to breathing problems. Parents can expect to learn about O2 saturation (normal levels being between 95 to 100 percent), and to mark their child’s breathing and breathing patterns each time they go into the NICU. The better a baby breathes on their own, the better their chances of recovering quickly and being discharged.

Incubation 


unsplash-image-ZCO_5Y29s8k.jpg

The incubator is created to provide both warmth and humidity. Premature babies tend not to be thermoregulated or able to maintain their own body temperature, which is why the incubator is needed. It is a clean environment that provides protection while premature babies develop. The amount of oxygen in an incubator can be controlled.  Because of the glass, the amount of outside sound coming into the incubator is muffled. Parents can still hold or touch their babies through special holes on the side of the incubator, but it is important that parents wash their hands and then keep their hands warm so that their babies don’t get cold. 

Supplement

Many NICU babies need supplements, vitamins, and medicine to keep them strong. Knowing how many supplements babies take can be scary for parents, but it’s important to keep remembering that taking these are what is best for the baby. 

Sound

When a baby is in the womb, they become familiar with the sound of their mother’s heartbeat and voice. The voices of family members are very likely to also be familiar. Parents of NICU babies can help their little ones along by recording their voices speaking or singing and asking nurses to play these recordings while they are away. These can soothe babies and give them a sense of comfort.

Apart from these, parents can anticipate being given a time limit on their visits. Usually exceptions are made for breastfeeding mothers, who are allowed to come several times a day for the feedings. Remembering CHRISS can help parents with each one of their NICU visits, giving them cues of what questions to ask in terms of updates and also helping them keep track of the baby’s progress. 

The Mommy Mundo Preemie Parents Support Group (MMPSG) for parents of preemies and micro preemies aims to provide support and useful information for the parents of premature babies and their care. Please be advised that all information shared herein are for informational purposes only and are not meant to provide any therapeutic results.  Please consult with your doctor before undertaking any health related course of action.  Mommy Mundo shall not be responsible for any damage suffered by any user for not consulting with a doctor beforehand.

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @MOMMYMUNDO

“You are not a bad mother…” 💭 We asked, a “You are not a bad mother…” 💭
We asked, and your answers warmed our hearts. 💖

From missed meals to messy rooms, from tough days to tearful nights — so many moms shared the same fears, the same doubts… and the same reminder:

You are not alone.

You are doing your best. 

You are enough. ✨

And Mommy Mundo is here for you — cheering you on every step of the way. 

Link in bio to join our mailing list for inspiration, support, and updates made just for moms like you — link in bio! 💌

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoMoms #MMmoms #mompowerment #momcommunity
Breastmilk is ✨liquid gold✨ — packed with nu Breastmilk is ✨liquid gold✨ — packed with nutrients, antibodies, and love 💖 Whether you’re a stay-at-home or working mom, knowing how to store it properly helps you keep giving your baby the best, anytime, anywhere.

Celebrate the beauty of breastfeeding with us at the Mommy Milkshake Run on August 3 at Parklinks, Quezon City — a fun, family-friendly event for moms, dads, kids, grandparents, and your pets too! 🏃🏻‍♀️💕

Let’s move, connect, and celebrate the breastfeeding journey together! Register and purchase your kits now at mommymundo.com/mommymilkshake2025

…because when breastfeeding mom runs, milk shakes 😆🙌🏻

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoMommyMilkshakeRun #MommyMilkshakeRun2025 #BreastfeedingAwareness
Our giveaway isn’t just about the goodies (thoug Our giveaway isn’t just about the goodies (though they are ✨amazing✨)—it’s about celebrating thoughtful, quality finds from mom-run brands. Every item is mom-made, heart-led, and meant to be loved. 💖

Swipe through to take a closer look at the giveaway goodies from The Mompreneur Lab Batch 3 @mompreneurstogether 🤗

✨ Haven’t joined yet? Don’t miss your chance—giveaway ends June 30! 

#MommyMundo #themompreneurlab #mompreneurs #giveaway
One day you’re counting down to your due date… One day you’re counting down to your due date… the next, you’re eight months postpartum, wondering how time flew so fast. 💫

Motherhood moves in a blur—from the first flutters to first steps. At Mommy Mundo, we’re here to support you through every stage, starting with one of the most beautiful transitions: pregnancy.

Join us for Pregnant Pause, our signature prenatal program happening on July 19 at Estancia Mall — a day designed to nurture, inform, and empower expecting moms (and dads too!). 🤰🏻

From 2PM to 5PM, take part in a prenatal class guided by Rome Kanapi, beloved prenatal educator for over a decade.

🛍️ All day from 10AM–7PM, explore our Mom Market — a celebration of motherhood and a showcase of heartfelt finds from inspiring mompreneur brands.

✨ Admission is free — just register at mommymundo.com/pregnantpause

Let’s honor your journey into motherhood — one breath, one step, one meaningful pause at a time.

P.S Thank you so much to our sponsors for making this event possible 💖
@anmumph 
@solbac_ph 
@estanciaph 

Video by momma @louissemicah 📸

#MommyMundo #PregnantPause #PregnancyJourney #EmpoweredBirth #MomMarket #MommyMundoPregnantPause
For moms with school-age kids, every new school ye For moms with school-age kids, every new school year brings new challenges — shifting routines, fresh expectations, and big transitions. 💖

Here are 7 Ways to Make this the Best School Year Ever for Your Child — read more bit.ly/MMBestSchoolYearEver

Got questions about school life? 💬 Join our Mommy Mundo Moms Facebook community and ask away — link in bio!

#MommyMundo #BacktoSchool #mompowerment
Spotted: your reminder to sign up for the Mommy Mi Spotted: your reminder to sign up for the Mommy Milkshake Run! 🏃🏻‍♀️🙌🏻

The much-loved Mommy Milkshake Run returns this August 3 (Sunday) at Parklinks, QC — celebrating family movement, outdoor fun, and the gift of breastfeeding! 🤱✨

✅ Fun distances for all — 1K, 3K, 5K (yes, strollers welcome!)
✅ Family-friendly run for moms, dads, kids, titas, lolos & lolas — and even your beloved pets! 
✅ After-run festival with:
🛍️ Mama Market
🎶 Live music
🛝 Kids’ play area
🍴 Yummy eats & drinks
🤱 Cozy spaces for breastfeeding moms

Hurry — slots are limited! Register and purchase your kits now at mommymundo.com/mommymilkshake2025! 

#MommyMilkshakeRun #MommyMundo #FamilyFunRun #MomPowerment #MomCommunity
Pickles and ice cream? Manggang hilaw with bagoong Pickles and ice cream? Manggang hilaw with bagoong? 👀😋 We asked our mom community: What’s the weirdest pregnancy craving you had? 🤰🏻

Pregnancy is a beautiful, transformative journey — cravings and all! 💖 Celebrate this season with us at Pregnant Pause, Mommy Mundo’s signature prenatal program with Rome Kanapi, happening on July 19 at Estancia Mall.

Learn, connect, and shop at our Mom Market — admission is FREE! Just register at mommymundo.com/pregnantpause. 🤗

See you, moms and dads-to-be! 🤰🏻

#MommyMundo #PregnantPause #MommyMundoPregnantPause #mompowerment #pregnantmoms
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · MOMMY MUNDO GLOBAL · SITE DESIGN BY FGD