Advice for Parents of children with PUV

Advice is wonderful, it is given with care and most importantly, it is free! So here is my advice for parents who just found out their child has PUV or for those already going through it.

• If you are married, remember that your spouse is going through the same emotions and is hurting just as much as you are. We all show our emotions differently, let the express them the way they know how.
• If you are single, let your friends and family help you. Don't be afraid to ask for a shoulder to cry on, some words of motivation or even for someone to help clean your house.
• Take care of yourself, eat, remain positive and most importantly, don't forget to be happy and enjoy life. Never feel guilty about enjoying the simple things, when your little one is in the hospital. They need happy and strong parents to help get them through this.
• If you are religious, pray. Pray, pray and then pray some more. I truly believe there is something wonderful with the power of prayer.
• Speak up if you have any questions and fears. The doctors are there to help you, but they are not mind readers. They don't know what you are thinking so don't be afraid to ask 100 questions if you want to. There is no such thing as a stupid question.
• Make sure every nurse and doctor knows your baby's condition before he is born. If a test or procedure has to be done right after delivery, make sure it gets done. 
• And if you want more sonograms during your pregnancy to make sure the kidney damage is not progressing, tell your doctor. They may be able to prevent further damage in utero. 
• When you visit your baby in the NICU, hold them, change their diapers, read to them. Basically, try to be as much of a parent as you can. It is good for both of you.
• DON'T BLAME YOURSELF! PUV is not from anything you did wrong. I was not a smoker or drinker and I never did drugs. I was the perfect pregnant woman and never even missed a day of vitamins. Never feel guilty about what your little guy is going through.