MINIMUM STIM is a descriptor I’ve heard used in the NICU mostly for babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome. But I also find it a useful phrase to repeat to myself when I’m stressed out about call. It means keeping additional inputs as minimal as possible.
MINIMAL email checks.
MINIMAL glances at my phone, in general.
CHILL music. (Fenne Lily’s new album which is on this week’s playlist fits the bill nicely.)
GENTLE and INTERRUPTIBLE media when possible. For example, watching episode 1 of America’s Sweethearts (S2) with A last night = perfect.
EASY meals, no elaborate projects. Free reign access to Door Dash / UberEats but ALSO keeping eating supportive of feeling decent
OPTIONAL EXERCISE done at home.
NO SIGNIFICANT ‘EXTRAS’ in terms of tasks or projects. If I end up having time and feel like doing things (like writing this post, lol), awesome. But if not, also awesome.
So far, so good. It’s been mildly busy, but manageable. I *mostly* got to sleep last night, so yay!
I already rounded, since A had a school volunteer activity in the direction of the hospital. It was actually really nice to be there so early (8:30 AM, nothing crazy, just an earlier start than usual) BUT there is a risk that I will have to go back. However, part of minimum stim protocol is acknowledging that this is totally fine. I have plenty of time and nothing else mandatory to do . . .
2 Comments
I love this approach Sarah, so glad it’s helping and calls overnight haven’t been too intense! Hppe the rest continues to go smoothly.
I’m trying to implement something similar as I navigate early days with baby boy 3 and his older brothers. I adore music/podcasts in the morning but sometimes the addition on top of the general noise this is too many sensory inputs. And the temptation to pick up my phone everytime I feed is a work in progress..
congratulations elaine on boy #3!!!! so amazing. I had the same temptation and I get it. But also go easy on yourself – this is a really tough time. You’ll still have bond and create beautiful memories even if you do succumb to the scroll when you need to in this phase!