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NICU Guide

Questions to Ask Your NICU Team

Helpful questions that can help you feel informed, involved, and confident during your twins' NICU stay.

Important Disclaimer

This guide shares general information. Every baby is different. Always talk directly with your NICU team about your twins' specific care and treatment plan.

The NICU can feel overwhelming. There are new words, new faces, and new routines every day. Having a few questions ready can help you understand what is happening and feel more involved in your babies' care.

You do not need to remember every question. Pick the ones that matter most to you today. You can always ask more tomorrow.

Daily Questions

How are my babies doing today?
What changed since yesterday?
What are we working on right now?
Is there anything I can do during today's visit?
What is today's biggest goal for each baby?

Breathing and Oxygen Support

What kind of breathing support is each baby using?
What does this machine do for my baby?
Are they making progress with breathing?
When might we begin weaning the breathing support?
What do the monitor alarms usually mean?
What should I expect over the next few days?

Feeding

How is feeding going for each baby?
Are we using a feeding tube?
When might we try breastfeeding or bottle feeding?
How much milk are my babies getting?
What can I do to support feeding progress?
Can I participate in feeding today?

Growth and Development

Are my babies gaining weight as expected?
Are there any concerns about their growth?
What developmental milestones are we watching for?
Are they maintaining their temperature on their own?

Tests and Medications

What medications are my babies receiving?
Why are they needed?
Are there any tests or procedures planned today?
When will we get the results?
Who will explain the results to us?

Going Home

What are the goals for this week?
What milestones are we looking for before discharge?
What needs to happen before each baby can go home?
What does discharge planning look like for twins?
Will both babies likely go home together?
What do we need to learn before discharge?

Twin-Specific Questions

One twin seems to be progressing faster than the other. Is that normal?
Could one twin go home before the other?
How can we support each baby as an individual while they are both in the NICU?
Will they continue to have separate care plans?

For You as a Parent

What are some ways I can be involved in their care?
Can I help with diaper changes, baths, or skin-to-skin care?
Are there resources or support groups for NICU parents of twins?
Who can I talk to if I am feeling overwhelmed?
Is there anything I should be doing before discharge to prepare?

Remember

You never have to feel embarrassed about asking questions.

NICU teams expect parents to ask for updates, explanations, and reassurance. Things can change quickly, and it is completely okay to ask the same question more than once.

You are an important part of your babies' care team.

Related Resources

Pair this guide with more Twin Mom Club NICU and pregnancy resources.

Twin NICU Terms Explained NICU Equipment Explained Hospital Bag Checklist for Twins Free NICU Printables

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always ask your babies' NICU team for guidance about your babies' specific condition, treatment, equipment, and care plan.