Balancing Visits and Self-Care
NURTURE INFORMATION HUB
Evidence
https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-019-0354-4#Sec1
Anna Bry & Helena Wigert
Parents need to find a balance between spending time at the unit with their infant and spending time away for rest, care of older children or other responsibilities. Challenges in this area were not confined to parents with older children at home, but these participants described particular difficulties in, and stress related to finding a satisfactory balance between time spent at the NICU and time at home.
Education
Having a baby in the Neonatal Unit can be overwhelming, with parents often feeling torn between staying by their baby’s side and taking care of their own health. It’s important to find a balance between visiting your baby and practicing self-care so that you can be at your best when supporting your little one.
Taking care of yourself is not only important for your own health but also crucial for your ability to care for your baby. Here are some self-care tips to help you during this time:
- Try to sleep and rest when possible. Exhaustion can make it harder to cope with the stress and emotions of this experience.
- Lean on family, friends, or hospital support groups for emotional support or practical help with daily tasks.
- Regular, balanced meals will help keep your energy levels up and your body strong.
- Allow yourself to step out of the hospital for fresh air, a short walk, or a coffee break to recharge.
Visiting Your Baby
Spending time with your baby in the Neonatal Unit is important for bonding and supporting their development. However, it's okay to set limits:
- Plan visits around your baby’s care schedule, giving yourself time to rest or take care of other responsibilities. Even if you can’t stay long, your voice and touch are reassuring to your baby. Short but meaningful visits are just as valuable.
- Some days, you may not be able to visit as much as you'd like, and that's okay. Trust that the medical team is providing excellent care when you’re not there.
Empowerment
Caring for a baby in the Neonatal Unit can bring about a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s normal to feel sadness, guilt, or anxiety, but there are ways to manage:
Talk about your feelings, whether it's with a partner, a friend, or a support group, sharing your emotions can lighten the load.
Many hospitals offer counselling services or access to mental health professionals who specialise in supporting parents of premature or sick babies.
By prioritising self-care, you are better equipped to handle the emotional ups and downs of having a baby in the Neonatal Unit. Remember that a healthy, rested parent is the best support for a baby. It’s not selfish to take time for yourself—it's essential.
Useful Links
Miracle Babies Foundation
https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/hints-tips-from-other-parents/gjrjvs
https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/nurturetime/gjneyo
https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/looking-after-yourself/gjrf94
PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia
For When – Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances. To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances.To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
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