Having a baby can be an emotional experience, but when your baby is born preterm or sick, your feelings may be especially intense. You might also be recovering from your own health challenges, like a C-section⍰, pre-eclampsia⍰, or even being in intensive care yourself. This can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation, which may be amplified when facing such challenges without support. Your time in the neonatal unit and the first few months at home can feel overwhelming, and many parents experience anxiety⍰, uncertainty, or fear.

This section will remind you that, while everyone’s experience is unique, you are not alone. If support feels hard to find, reach out to the neonatal unit staff, or contact a parent support group or organisation for help and information. 

Whether you are dealing with your own recovery, anxiety, adjusting to life at home, challenging care of your baby, or coping with loss, there are resources and people ready to assist you through this journey.

If you are looking for information on follow-up care after giving birth and on finding help for your mental health, you can look here.