Three Challenges of being an NICU Parent

 

During the month of November we are sharing stories of people who have had a neonatal experience via either a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).

 

We were contacted by a lovely woman Catherine and her and her husband Kris who thought it would be a good idea to talk openly about some of the challenges that parents face whilst in NICU.  Focusing on the fact that it’s important to be able to talk about these and normalise them given that having a baby in neonatal care is more common that people realise.  

 

They made this video about their three biggest challenges whist on their journey and have posted it on YouTube to encourage other parents to talk about their experiences and normalise the conversation of preterm birth and for some neonatal and infant loss.

 

 

** Thanks for sharing this beautiful clip Catherine & Kris ***

We get a lot of positive feedback from families in a neonatal unit who read these stories and feel strength, hope and positivity knowing that they are not alone going through these experiences and feeling certain emotions.

If you would like to discuss sharing the story of your neonatal journey, we’d love to hear from you. Please email info@littlemiraclestrust.org.nz 

Interested in how The Little Miracles Trust supports families going through the stress and anxiety of a neonatal journey?  

Here’s a gallery of support examples. 

 

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FURTHER INFORMATION

If you or someone you know has experiences infant loss and would like further information or support, please contact SANDS New Zealand – they are a voluntary, parent-run, non-profit organisation set up to support parents and families who have experienced baby loss at any stage, during pregnancy, as a baby or infant.

The Little Miracles Trust has a number of resources written by parents to help other parents through their neonatal journey.   These can help you bond with your baby, help with the stress of the journey, and support your partner:

• The Think REF – Health and Wellbeing support document, to prompt parents to look after themselves
• Kangaroo Cuddles is great for both bonding and development
• Thoughts on, and tips for Bonding with your baby
• It’s important to be conscious of Your Emotions

You can find our other support PDF’s available for viewing here

 

NEONATAL NOVEMBER