In this episode, we hear from Dr. Michelle Klein, a pediatrician at Uptown Pediatrics in NYC. Originally from California, Dr. Klein earned her BA in Neuroscience from UCLA, followed by a master’s degree in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University, and her medical degree from New York Medical College. Her journey continued as she completed her pediatric residency, chief residency, and pediatric endocrinology fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Klein is passionate about sharing her expertise with families and future pediatricians, and we are thrilled to have her on the podcast.
Quick Call Outs from the Episode:
- Leaving the NICU is one of the hardest transitions with your baby. You’re caring for your baby without the NICU, and also there is a transition of having a different doctor care for your baby.
- NICU babies have been watched so closely, for so long. The transition from hospital to home, without the reassurance of constant 'vitals' monitoring, can be quite nerve-wracking. While some families may return home with monitoring equipment, in most cases, the babies have progressed and achieved stability. When you feel anxiety creeping in, remember that the reasons they were monitored so vigilantly are no longer as significant.
Finding the right Pediatrician for your family
- If possible, connect with a pediatrician before your baby is discharged - set up a virtual meeting, it's a great way to establish a connection!
- Provide the pediatrician with background information so they can be prepared for the first "in office" visit with the baby.
Dr. Klein's NICU Alumni Grad Guide - her advice for after the NICU: Track and monitor - but modify!
- Since there is such a high level of order and organization when you’re in the NICU, you may already be in the habit of keeping track of things, but the granularity of the NICU is no longer needed.
- Having some sort of list, whether it is written down, or through phone apps, etc, is fine!
- What are some things you can keep track of?
- Feedings (And you can track an estimate of ounces, it does not have to be mLs anymore!)
- Bowel Movements
- Wet Diapers
- Naps
- Medication Lists
- Follow Up Appts
Communicating with your Pediatrician
- Set up an email chain with your pediatrician and specialists to keep everyone on the same page.
- Be open and honest about communication needs - ask, what is the best way to get in touch with you? Email? Portal?
Dr. Klein shared her own personal NICU experience. Despite her familiarity with the NICU setting from working there numerous times, it was still quite overwhelming. One crucial piece of advice she imparts is the importance of finding your voice to advocate for both yourself and your child.
Additional Resources to check out
A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!
You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.
The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.