I had a crash course in infection control when my baby was in Neonatal ICU (more commonly known as NICU):

• There was no entry to the ward without full blown hand washing (at least 20 seconds and preferably up to your elbows),
• We practiced social distancing before it had a name, as in “don’t go near ANY babies other than your own”,
• D-Germ hand disinfectant was our friend.  We sprayed it on our hands regularly and definitely before touching our preemie babies,
• If we were feeling even slightly ill, we didn’t think twice about wearing a surgical mask,
• We got used to disinfecting everything, especially vessels for food (okay, breast milk 😉), 
• And we relied heavily on our front-line workers… Those amazing, essential teams who work on the NICU ward. The nurses were like second mothers.  The infection control staff who are often unseen, but are actually the heroes in protecting our little ones, and the doctors who related to me with such respect.  In my book they rule the world!

And then 3 and half months later we came home…

• We quarantined!
• No one was allowed through our front door unless they were in 100% good health (along with everyone else in their home),
• Strict protocols were in place… instructions to visitors as they walk through the door were to not touch anything until their hands have been washed for 20 seconds and then sprayed with hand disinfectant.
• Some people stayed away.  There were some friends who we didn’t see for many months and I am so grateful they didn’t take it personally xx

So, it’s all feeling very familiar right now…

I gained so many lessons during our time in NICU (there’s a book in there somewhere!) but I have a sense that for many of us who lived this journey, we were a little more prepared for what everyone is going through now… staying safe during the Corona Virus Pandemic.

I am vigilant about maintaining our ‘bubble’, and some might think I’m paranoid, but having held my child while on a ventilator before, I will do everything in my power to prevent him from being hospitalised – especially without me alongside to comfort him.

So a gentle reminder that no matter how we are responding to being at home, it’s okay. We are all doing the best we can, for now. Before we judge another person, perhaps remember we never know their full story.

What has happened in your life to prepare you for today?

I would love to hear… 😊

Best wishes

P.S: Please stay safe. Take care of yourselves and those within your circle of influence… taking care of each other is critical right now xx
 
PPS: In case you’re wondering, we’re doing okay in our bubble 😊