Togetherness courses help you learn more about child development. Understanding your preterm or sick baby in hospital and understanding your preterm or sick baby now you’re home are free to access. You can use the code NEFAMILIES to explore the other online courses.
Babies who are born early, or are poorly might need to stay in hospital on the neonatal ward. This can bring many different emotions. You may feel worried, overwhelmed, frightened, hopeful, or all of these at once. For many families, a neonatal admission is unexpected and can feel like a very different start to parenthood than they had imagined.
Every neonatal journey is unique. Some babies may need only a short stay and a little extra support, while others may require specialist care for weeks or months. Whatever your circumstances, please know that you are not alone. Support is available for both you and your baby throughout your neonatal journey and beyond.
Looking after yourself
Having a baby on a neonatal unit can be physically and emotionally exhausting. It's important to look after yourself too.
Try to:
- accept help from family and friends
- rest when you can
- eat and drink regularly
- talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling
- ask questions if you are unsure about your baby's care
- speak to the neonatal team, Tiny Lives or your GP if you need emotional support
Remember, looking after yourself helps you look after your baby.
Helping your baby
Even when your baby needs specialist care, there are lots of ways you can support them and build your bond.
You can:
- talk, read or sing softly to your baby
- enjoy skin-to-skin contact when it's safe to do so
- get support with feeding, whether you are expressing milk, breastfeeding, combination feeding or formula feeding
- take part in your baby's everyday care, such as changing nappies, feeding and comforting them
Support available
Neonatal and maternity teams
Your baby's healthcare team can answer questions, explain treatments and support you throughout your neonatal journey.
Tiny Lives
Tiny Lives supports families whose babies receive neonatal care. They offer emotional support, practical and financial help, parent groups and ongoing support after your baby comes home.
Health Visiting Service
Once your baby is home, health visitors can provide advice and support with feeding, sleep, development, emotional wellbeing and adjusting to family life.
Emotional wellbeing
A neonatal journey can affect parents and carers long after their baby leaves hospital. If you're struggling, speak to your GP, health visitor, midwife, neonatal team or Tiny Lives. Help is available and you do not have to cope on your own.
Remember
Every baby's start in life is different. Take things one day at a time, celebrate each small step forward and ask for help when you need it. There is support available for you and your family throughout your neonatal journey and beyond.