The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a place designed to provide intensive and special care for your newborn baby. You are likely to encounter an environment full of unfamiliar equipment, terms and procedures. While your baby is in the NICU, you will learn about their illness and prognosis.

If this makes you feel worried or anxious, and you feel overwhelmed by the amount of new information, you are not alone. Most parents feel this way at some point during their experience in the neonatal unit. You have the right to take an active role in your baby's care, which is likely to help your baby, and the NICU care team should facilitate and encourage this. 

Ask questions whenever you are unsure or would like reassurance.

If you are facing a difficult decision or grief, you do not have to deal with it alone. The people around you, whether they are healthcare professionals, family or friends, or even non-healthcare staff in the hospital, are there to support you. Your mental health is really important, and the NICU care team is there to help.